asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware of the low salary scales at present being paid to writing clerks in the Civil Service; and, if so, whether he intends to implement the recommendation of the Brennan Commission, i.e. that the grade should be absorbed in the clerical grade and that they should proceed automatically on the scale as far as the efficiency bar.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Salaries of Writing Clerks.
I am not aware that the salary scale of writing clerks is inadequate, having regard to their duties. The recommendations of the majority report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Civil Service concerning this grade were considered and, as a result, the maximum of their scale was increased. These officers were later given a further opportunity of securing promotion to the clerical officer grade through a limited competition specially designed to suit officers of mature years. All the candidates who qualified at this competition were appointed clerical officers. I do not consider that any further concession would be justified.
Is it not a fact that the recommendation of the Brennan Commission did not envisage any competitive examination for these officers, but suggested that they should be absorbed in the clerical grade?
That is so, but the Brennan Commission reported that they did not think that the claim was a strong one.