asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is aware of the absence of uniformity in the cost of living increases granted by the different local authorities to their employees, especially in the case of mental hospital staffs; and, if so, if he is prepared to take steps to secure uniformity of treatment in this respect in future.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Local Authorities' Employees' Increases.
The granting of emergency bonus within overriding maxima is a matter, in the first instance, for the local authority concerned. Beyond ensuring that the bonuses are properly granted I have no further functions. I have no powers to require a local authority to grant any bonus or any particular rate of bonus.
asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether, in view of the sixteenth amendment to Emergency Powers (No. 260) Order, 1943, he is now prepared to permit the emergency bonuses granted since April, 1942, to the employees of local authorities to be increased to 15/- per week; and, if not, if he will take steps to ensure that these employees shall be at least accorded an adjustment of their existing bonuses corresponding to that which is provided in the amendment referred to.
I would refer the Deputy to the reply given to a similar question on 14th of last month to which I have nothing to add.