asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if it is proposed to revise the scale of remuneration to branch managers from April 1st next; and further, if the new scale involves the reduction of these officers' salaries by amounts varying from 20 per cent. to 50 per cent; and if he will state the reason why these reductions are considered necessary.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Exchange Managers' Salaries.
In 1925 a new basis of remuneration was adopted for branch managers. It was not applied at the time to branch managers appointed before the setting up of the Saorstát, whose basis of remuneration was left unaltered pending experience of the new scale. Vacancies occurring in the interval were, however, filled on the 1925 scale. 33 branch offices are at present staffed by managers paid according to the 1925 scale, and 44 according to that in operation under the British Government.
Experience has proved that the offices can be efficiently staffed on the 1925 scale, and that, subject to some adjustments, it operates satisfactorily. By comparison the remuneration of branch managers under the system adopted by the British Government was shown in a number of cases to be excessive. It resulted generally in the payment of substantially more than an efficient branch manager in an office of about the same size and importance received on the 1925 scale; in one or two cases of almost 50 per cent. more.
Towards the end of last year adjustments in accordance with the terms of their original appointments became due in the case of a number of branch managers on the old scale. These adjustments would have involved substantial reductions in pay; indeed, the remuneration of branch managers had always been subject to considerable and undesirable fluctuations. The occasion was then taken to prepare a new scheme of payment which will be simpler and much more stable than any previous scheme, and will reflect with more accuracy and fairness the relative work and importance of the various offices. The 1925 scale will in some instances be improved and the anomalies found by experience to exist in it will be remedied. The minimum salary will be remedied. The minimum salary will be increased. I have examined all the instances among the pre-Treaty branch managers where the remuneration will be reduced, and have satisfied myself that the new scale represents reasonable payment for the work of the office concerned compared with that of other offices.