asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether his attention has been directed to the difficulties which have arisen in connection with the claims for increased remuneration recently made by persons employed in Dublin in the clerical section of the Irish Assurance Company, Limited, and the Industrial and Life Assurance Amalgamation Company, Limited; and whether, with a view to the resolution of such difficulties and to enable such companies to pay such increased remuneration to meet at least, in part, the rising cost of living, he will be prepared to assist the companies if necessary by the introduction of proposals for legislation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Insurance Employees' Remuneration.
I presume the Deputy refers to the financial capacity of the companies to meet demands by their staffs for increased remuneration. If it is intended to suggest that State funds should be made available for the purpose of subsidising the remuneration of the employees of these companies, I can say that there is no intention of promoting legislation for the purpose. Neither is it proposed to promote legislation for the purpose of modifying the general statutory requirements of the Insurance Act, 1936, which were, in the main, enacted for the purpose of protecting policy holders.