asked the Minister for Defence if he will give the reasons for the delay in extending wage increases granted under the eighth round of wage increases to civilian chefs and waiters employed by his Department in view of the fact that similar workers employed in other concerns have already received these increases.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wages of Civilian Chefs and Waiters.
77.
Applications for increases in the wages of civilian chefs and waiters employed by my Department are dealt with as one question. As the Deputy is aware, two separate applications have been made by the trade union concerned—one dated 22nd January last for an increase of 35/- per week for waiters independent of the eighth round increases at that time still to be negotiated and another dated 21st February last for the eighth round increases for both chefs and waiters.
The delay in reaching decisions on these applications is due to the time necessary for their full and adequate examination.
The Deputy may be assured, however, that a decision will be conveyed as soon as possible.
Can the Minister say when a conference will be held between the representatives of the union and the Department of Defence and will he attach the same speed to this application as the Government have to that in respect of the judges?
I do not know of any conference.
Why should there not be a conference? We get stereotyped replies all the time.