asked the Minister for Health whether he has any proposals to increase the salaries of child care workers; if he is aware of grave dissatisfaction among such workers about their present conditions of service; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Child Care Workers.
15.
The pay and conditions of service of child care workers is a matter in the first instance for the residential child care homes. For my part, I have recently made available to the homes the sum of £250,000 to enable them to implement proposals to grant increases in salary ranging from 13 per cent to 16 per cent effective from 1 March 1979 to their child care workers.
I also understand that the introduction of a pension scheme for the grades concerned has been agreed in principle. The necessary administrative measures to give effect to this are currently being investigated in conjunction with my Department. Pending its introduction a scheme, whereby compensation is payable in the event of death or serious injury, is in operation.
I trust that these developments will help considerably to eliminate any dissatisfaction on the part of child care workers.
Can the Minister give the House an indication of the existing level of salary paid to child care workers in residential institutions?
That is not part of the question. I have not got information on the existing level on the file.
The question asks about an increase in salary. Surely they told the Minister what the salary was if they told him what the increase was to be. Thirteen per cent of nought is still nought.
I have a table here. It dates from 1 March 1980. It ranges from £4,151 to £5,187 for a house parent; assistant house parent, from £3,872, to £4,703; and for a trainee for £3,650 to £3,872. The revisions relate to a 13 to 16 per cent increase on those existing levels.
Is the Minister aware that a house parent starts at a gross payment of the order of £80 a week which, I understand, after deductions can mean a net income of under £60 per week. Would the Minister not agree that, in view of the onerous duties they have to undertake, this is not an exorbitant sum of money? I hope the Minister is aware that there is grave dissatisfaction because of the low level of payment in relation to the number of hours worked and duties performed.
I can only refer to the claim which was made, the negotiations which took place and the fact that a decision was reached. I have made the money available to meet the agreed increase.