asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that the Revenue Commissioners refused to discuss with the representatives of Comhaltas Cana the question of remuneration for extra work falling to be performed under the Old Age Pensions Act, 1928, although under the terms of the conciliation machinery the matter was one proper for discussion with the staff concerned; whether the Minister received a communication dated the 8th October, 1928, from the Comhaltas Cana requesting him to arrange for the discussion of the matters with the staff, and if he is aware that no action has been taken up to the present; and whether the Minister will give an assurance that this matter will now be dealt with without delay.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Remuneration for Extra Work.
I am aware of the circumstances referred to in the Deputy's question.
Under the arrangements for enabling the staff to represent their view on matters of a Departmental nature where reasonable cause is shown for oral discussion, the decision whether such discussion should take place necessarily rests with the heads of the office concerned. In the present case the requests by the staff for an interview with the Revenue Commissioners have not so far indicated the precise considerations in view of which discussion is desired and, in the absence of this information, the Commissioners have been unable to agree that any useful purpose would be served by an interview. If the request by the staff is put forward afresh with the additional information, I have no doubt that the Commissioners will be prepared to reconsider the matter.