asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he is aware that the Kilkenny Corporation have recently discontinued the practice of paying wages to employees absent from work on account of sickness; whether a similar change has occurred in the case of roadmen employed by the Dublin County Council, and whether this is in accordance with instructions issued by the Minister or is approved by him.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - SICK PAY TO CORPORATION EMPLOYEES.
While I have not definite information it is not unlikely that wages have been discontinued during absence owing to illness. On a recent inquiry from Kilkenny I advised that there appeared to be no statutory authority for such payments. Such workmen are entitled to benefit under the National Health Insurance Act.
Is the Minister aware that this was permissive by the authority of the old Local Government Board?
I am not aware of that fact. The question was never put to the old Local Government Board for decision. It has been put up to us and we have to go on the legal facts of the position.
By whom was the decision asked for?
The request came from a Kilkenny local authority. I am not sure at the moment which.
Is this another illustration of the more drastic methods of administration by this Government than the old Local Government Board adopted in respect of working men?