asked the Minister for Finance whether, having regard to the decision to provide for the payment of increased bonus related to the present cost of living to persons affected by Emergency Powers Order No. 260, he is now prepared to sanction the payment of corresponding increases to civil servants in the lower income groups; and, if so, whether he will say if such sanction will be notified without delay.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Civil Servants' Bonuses.
With regard to the first part of the Deputy's question, the Order to amend the Emergency Powers (No. 260) Order, 1943, has not yet been made by the Government. With reference to the last part, I need hardly remind the Deputy that any increase in the remuneration of civil servants would result in a corresponding increase in the bill for the public service which has to be met by the community. This is a factor to which serious consideration must be given when decisions are being taken on the matter.