asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that there is a conflict of views between certain county managers and county councils as to their respective powers in regard to the granting of increases of wages to road workers and other employees; and, if so, whether he will take steps to clarify the position, if necessary, by the introduction of proposals for legislation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Road Workers' Wage Increases.
Under the County Management Acts all matters relating to the remuneration of officers and servants of local authorities are executive functions to be performed by the county manager.
The manager, and the manager only, is empowered to grant an increase in wages to road workers. Such increase is not effective unless and until it is sanctioned by the Minister (Section 42 of the Local Government Act, 1946). If the increase in wages would involve expenditure in excess of the amount provided for the purpose in the estimate of expenses of the county council, payment of the increase cannot be made until the county council consents by resolution to the excess expenditure involved (Section 25 of the County Management Act).
The statutory provisions referred to above make the respective powers of the county councils and county managers in the matter of increases in wages quite clear, and the need for further clarification by way of legislation or otherwise does not arise.
Is the Minister aware that quite recently the county manager told the members of the North Tipperrary County Council that he would refuse to submit to the Department a resolution passed by a majority of the members to increase the rates of wages to roadworkers? Is he further aware——
The question addressed to the Minister is, obviously, one of a general nature. The Deputy is now referring to a particular instance.
In view of the admission now made by the Minister that the members of the council must, by resolution, make provision for the financial requirements——
The Deputy is now dealing with a particular instance.
Will the Minister take the matter up with the county manager concerned?
If the Deputy cares to address a question to the Minister on that, I am sure he will give him a reply.