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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 9 Nov 1978

Vol. 309 No. 4

Written Answers. - National Wage Agreement.

178.

asked the Minister for the Environment if he has given any directive to local authorities who did not provide for the 1978 national wage agreement in the 1978 estimates to pay that pay rise out of the estimates, the local authorities involved; the amount of money involved for each; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I do not see how the question of giving a directive arises. Under law, local authorities are obliged to provide in their estimates for the amounts estimated as necessary to meet their expenses and provide for their requirements during the financial year concerned. I have no reason to believe that in discharge of this obligation local authorities have acted this year with anything less than their customary prudence and responsibility.

I am aware of allegations made by the Deputy about the effects of certain wage increases on the finances of some local authorities. I have already issued a statement refuting these allegation. The Deputy will also know that with the overall financial position of local authorities now reaching greater clarification as the end of the year approaches, his particular allegations about the Dublin authorities have been shown to be unfounded.

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