asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that his Department has refused to sanction for the second time the recommendation of the Kerry County Council to increase the wages of two male attendants employed at the county hospital, Tralee; and if he is further aware these men have wives and families to support and that they are the lowest paid workers employed by the county council for the hours worked each week; and, if so, if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Tralee Hospital Attendants.
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to his previous question on the 23rd July last. It is open to the local authority to grant an increase of 9/-a week to these employees as from the 1st October.
Any further increase in the remuneration of these officers must await a general review of the salaries of local officials.