asked the Minister for Social Welfare when it is intended to increase the allowances to local agents of his Department to an economical figure.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Allowances of Social Welfare Agents.
61.
As I stated in reply to a similar question on 15th February, 1962, associations recognised by the Minister for Finance for the purposes of the Scheme of Conciliation and Arbitration for the Civil Service have the right under that Scheme to submit claims on behalf of their members for improved pay, conditions of service, etc. The Association of Unestablished Agents is so recognised and in exercise of its right under the Scheme submitted a claim for increased pay and allowances in March, 1960. This claim was the subject of a hearing at the Departmental Council in my Department in June, 1960. Discussion of the claim was adjourned by agreement to enable the Staff Side to formulate and submit a detailed claim on behalf of the Agents. That was the position until a fresh claim for an increase in pay for unestablished Agents was received in the Department quite recently. This claim is being examined and will be discussed with the Staff Side at a meeting of the Departmental Council in the near future.