To ask the Minister for Industry and Commerce to state the salary (including bonus) of the head of the Transport Department, the number of the staff under his direct supervision, and the number whose salary (including bonus) is over £350 per annum; also to state generally the nature of the duties for which the head of this Department is held responsible.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. - TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT—SALARIES AND STAFF.
The present salary of the officer in charge of the Transport Department is £1,200 per annum, together with a Civil Service bonus which on that salary amounts, at the current rate, to £263 per annum. The number of staff under his direct supervision is 26, of which eight are in receipt of salaries, including bonus, of over £350 per annum. This officer is responsible for the administration of work arising out of legislation relating to railways, tramways, canals, harbours, docks and piers. I may add that during this year his duties have been especially onerous owing to differences arising between the railway companies and their employees, and the interruption of traffic and damage to the lines which have been of frequent occurrence.
That is only in the case of one-quarter of the clerical staff.
Probably Mr. McGrath would be in a position to give more information on the subject.