asked the Minister for Health when he expects to be in a position to make a decision on the eighth round increases of salary for senior medical staff, anaesthetists and clerical officers for which the Dublin Health Authority have given their consent as far back as June, 1962, and April and June, 1963.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Salary Increases for Dublin Health Authority Staffs.
6.
Decisions have been conveyed to the health authority on all their proposals for the application of the eighth round of increases to officers on their senior medical staff except in the case of one officer. In that instance the decision involves, in addition to consideration of the grant of the increased rate of salary proposed, an alteration in his status and a restatement of his duties. The matter is at present in correspondence with the health authority. I am informed that the needs of the service in which the officer is employed have recently been the subject of review by the authority. I expect to be in a position to issue a decision on the proposal in relation to the remuneration of the officer when the report on the review referred to is made available to me.
Proposals received from the health authority for revision of the rates of sessional fees payable to anaesthetists are being considered in relation to the rates of fees payable to anaesthetists holding part-time appointments under other local authorities; my decision in this matter will be conveyed to the health authority as soon as possible. In the case of those anaesthetists who are employed on the basis of a salary, plus fees for additional services, the proposal for an increase in the salary element has already been approved.
With regard to clerical officers, the position is that a uniform salary scale applies on a national basis to such officers employed in the local service. My functions extend only to the minority who are employed in the unified health authorities and in mental hospitals. I do not consider that it would be appropriate for me to take unilateral action on an isolated proposal which would have the effect of upsetting the salary scale which applies on a national basis to a large body of staff in respect of the majority of whom I am not the appropriate Minister.
Is the Minister aware that the Taoiseach has given his blessing to the ninth round while he is still considering the eighth round for these people?
I have already told the Deputy that the eighth round has been sanctioned.
Except for the people mentioned in this question.