asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware of the low rate of pay of range wardens employed by his Department; and if he will examine the position.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Department of Defence Range Wardens.
10.
The weekly rates of pay of persons employed by my Department as range wardens are, in general, related to the basic rates of pay of agricultural workers. However, the overall conditions of employment of range wardens are more favourable. The rates of pay for range wardens were increased with effect from 22 April 1985 under the 24th pay round, and a further increase is due with effect from 7 October, 1985.
How many range wardens are employed by the Department at this time?
I am afraid I do not have the number.
Would the Minister send me the information?
Yes, I will send it.
Would the Minister agree that the rates paid to the range wardens do not compare favourably with the rates paid to other tradesmen also employed by the Department?
Range wardens are not tradesmen and their pay would not be linked with that of tradesmen. As I indicated in my reply, their pay equates to that of agricultural workers but they have benefits which agricultural workers do not have, such as secure employment, a non-contributory pension scheme and a sick pay scheme. They have superior terms of employment.
Would the Minister consider extending the fringe benefits enjoyed by tradesmen to the range wardens?
I do not know to which fringe benefits the Deputy is referring.
Travel and meal allowances and so on.
These are matters for negotiation by the unions concerned. There are differences in pay and conditions between various employees in my Department, as there are throughout the country. I could not say that because one group have particular fringe benefits they should necessarily be extended to another group. There may be a particular need arising from the nature of the duties carried out by those who have these fringe benefits which would not apply in the case of the range wardens.
If I were to send the Minister details of the problem, would he undertake to examine them?
I think we have already had correspondence about this matter and the person the Deputy is concerned about had a meeting with people from the military, and civilian and personnel sections of my Department, but if he wants to raise the matter further with me, I would be happy to hear from him.