Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 27 Mar 2001

Vol. 533 No. 3

Written Answers. - Departmental Staff.

John McGuinness

Question:

169 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance if every employee of the Office of Public Works is entitled to and has been issued with a contract of employment setting out his or her duties; if the rates of pay and subsistence or allowance relative to each scale or grade of employee is issued; if the information available clearly explains the entitlements of employees; the structure within the organisation to deal efficiently with staff queries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8649/01]

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Mr. Cullen)

It is the Office of Public Works policy to issue to each State "industrial" employee a contract of employment detailing the main terms and conditions of that employment. There are currently five types of employment contracts in use by the Office of Public Works. These are full-time contract, temporary-fixed term contract, specified purpose contract, part-time contract and apprenticeships. All employees should have a contract of employment suited to their position.

The rates of pay and subsistence are those set down by the Department of Finance for those employees represented at the joint industrial council for State industrial employees. These rates are readily available to all employees and cover many Government Departments.

A handbook for "industrial" employees was produced in 1999 and is available to all employees detailing the various entitlements available, including payment of wages, pensions, leave allowance, safety, health and welfare. The hand book outlines the methods used within the organisation for dealing with staff queries or problems and particular reference is made to the procedures to be adopted in the case of accidents, grievance and disciplinary procedures.