asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state the cause of the delay in sanctioning the proposal of the county manager in Kildare for an increase in the wages of road workers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wages of Road Workers.
As I pointed out to the Deputy in reply to his question of 5th instant, the matter is being considered in conjunction with other similar proposals. It is hoped to give a decision shortly.
I understood the Minister to say in a previous discussion on the subject that proposals recommending increases in pay were received by the county manager in August last. It is now the middle of November. Surely it should not take three months to decide a matter of this kind. Why is it taking so long?
Some similar proposals are straggling in from other counties and there is an undesirable discrepancy between what is recommended by different local bodies. As in the case of the previous question, I am anxious to have all these recommendations before me before determining any one of them. I can only say to the Deputy that, when I am satisfied that these have all arrived, I will try to give a decision as soon as I can.
Does the Minister realise that he is penalising those county councils which have dealt with this matter expeditiously? Does he propose to wait until the last few local authorities have submitted proposals before deciding the case in respect of those whose applications were received three or four months ago.
It is not a question of trying to penalise anyone but of waiting until such time, without waiting too long, as I will be able to give a fair and reasonable decision.
Will the Minister take any action against county councils in respect of which no recommendations are made?
That is a separate question.
Can the Minister say when he hopes to give a decision in this case?
I am afraid I cannot fix a date but I give the assurance that I will do it as soon as I can.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he has yet reached a decision in relation to the recommendation of Dublin County and City Manager for increased wages for County Dublin road workers.
The matter is still under consideration.
Arising out of the previous question, does the Minister propose to wait until each of the county councils in Ireland submits proposals before he makes a decision?
I did not try to convey that idea.
That is the impression.
What will you do with the county manager who refuses to submit a proposal?
It is the responsibility of the manager to make what recommendations he thinks fit and proper.