asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether he is yet in a position to communicate a decision to the Post Office Workers' Union on the claim for increased wages submitted to him by the Union in September, 1934.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wages of Post Office Workers.
I am not yet in a position to communicate a decision on the claim by the Post Office Workers' Union for increased wages as the report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Civil Service has not yet been received.
How many members of the commission have not signed the report up to the present?
Mr. Boland
I understand from the Minister for Finance that there is one signature yet outstanding; the signature of one member of the commission has not yet been received.
Has the Minister ascertained when the report is likely to be received?
Mr. Boland
All I can discover from the Minister for Finance is that he has been urging the chairman of the commission to present the report as soon as he possibly can. He cannot get the full report until every member has signed it.
If the outstanding signature is received to-day or to-morrow will the Minister indicate when he will be in a position to communicate a decision?
Mr. Boland
I am not in a position to give an exact date. I can, however, promise the Deputy that as early a decision as possible will be communicated when the report has been received.
The Minister knows he has a very suspect reputation for saying a decision will be given at an early date.
Is that a question?
The Minister does not repudiate it.
Mr. Boland
We cannot help what people say about us.
Can the Minister give, in relation to the calendar, some idea when a definite decision will be conveyed on this matter, which has been under consideration for 15 months?
Mr. Boland
Unfortunately, I cannot tie myself to a definite date. I will repeat that as early as possible after the receipt of the report a decision will be communicated. I shall do all I can to get it off my hands.
Does that mean within the next few days or within the next week?