asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he is aware that clerks employed in the preparation of rates demand notes by the Kildare County Council were previously paid a wage of £3 per week, but were subsequently reduced to a wage of £2 10s. 0d. per week; and whether, in view of the high cost of living, and the rate of wages previously paid to them, he will authorise the county council to restore the wages to £3 per week.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kildare Council Employees' Wages.
In Kildare county the expenditure in connection with the preparation of rate books and demand notes has increased considerably in recent years, due apparently to the county council increasing the weekly rate from £2 10s. 0d. to £3. It is usual for the temporary staff to work overtime and the total weekly earnings have been much in excess of £2 10s 0d. It is not proposed to express approval to a weekly rate of £3.
In view of the fact that the staff were paid a weekly rate of £3 for seven or eight years, will the Minister say on what grounds he can justify the decision to reduce that rate to £2 10s. 0d., having regard to the substantial increase in the cost of living this year as compared with last year, or the past seven or eight years?
I have nothing to add to the answer.
We shall make you talk on the Estimate.