asked the Minister for Defence if, prior to the inauguration of the whole-time Auxiliary Fire Service in August, 1941, a promise was given to the trade unions concerned that, at the termination of six months' satisfactory service, each auxiliary fireman would be given the minimum rate of pay of regular fire brigade men, and if he will state why this promise has not been kept in respect of those men who now have given over six months' service, ten of whom have given ten months' service on the lower rate of pay.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wages of Auxiliary Firemen.
A promise was not given to any trade union that payment of the minimum rate of pay of regular fire brigade men would be made to the members of the Auxiliary Fire Service on expiration of six months' satisfactory service.
Mr. Byrne
The six months are now up. Will the Minister say what decision has been arrived at regarding the pay which was promised to them?
I think the Deputy has got an answer to the question he asked.
Mr. Byrne
I have not. If the Minister reads his reply, he will see that he has really given me no reply. He has said that these men were promised consideration, but I tell him now that there are men who have served ten months who have not heard from the Parliamentary Secretary or his Department and who have not got the increase in pay promised.
The Deputy is very much in error. I will read the answer again:
"A promise was not given to any trade union that payment of the minimum rate of pay of regular fire brigade men would be made to the members of the Auxiliary Fire Service on expiration of six months' satisfactory service."
Was any promise made?
Mr. Byrne
What promise was made? I have seen in a printed pamphlet issued by the Minister's Department that, at the end of six months' service, consideration would be given to the matter and that, if they were satisfactory, they would go on full pay. Let the Parliamentary Secretary try to hold the service together.
I cannot help it if the Deputy will continue to twist my words. There was never any promise made, but I did offer to the trade unions and to the men concerned £3 weekly, which they accepted. I promised to pay them £3 12s. 6d. after 12 months' satisfactory service.