asked the Minister for Agriculture if he has received repeated representations from the Association of Ship Inspectors for improved wages and working conditions, and if he can now state when a decision will be conveyed to the association concerned; also whether it has been decided to give those concerned the benefit of the Conditions of Employment Act, 1936?
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wages of Ship Inspectors.
Dr. Ryan
Representations regarding wages and working conditions have been received from the Association of Ship Inspectors, and have been under consideration for some considerable time. I am not yet in a position to state what action in the matter it will be possible to take, but I am taking steps to have a definite decision in the matter expedited, and I hope to be in a position to make an announcement in the matter at a comparatively early date. The provisions of the Conditions of Employment Act, 1936, do not appear to be applicable in the case of Ship Inspectors.
Is the Minister aware that some of the inspectors concerned work overtime, including Sunday work, without pay, up to 74 hours per week; and would he say that reasonable hours of work and rates of wages should apply to Government employees of this kind?
Dr. Ryan
I do not know if the work is excessive. They may have to work overtime.
Does the Minister consider 74 hours a week a fair number of hours to work, and does he consider that these men should be compelled to do Sunday duty without extra pay?
Dr. Ryan
I think 74 hours would be too long.