asked the Minister for Education if he received a letter dated 27th February, 1964 from the Workers' Union of Ireland on behalf of clerks employed by vocational education committees, containing a claim for improved salary scales, and requesting that he receive a deputation from the Union in connection with the claim; whether such letter and request have been largely ignored; and whether a decision was made in regard to the salaries of such clerks without any serious consideration having been given to the Union's representations.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Vocational Education Committee Clerks.
66.
The letter to which the question refers was received in my Department on 29th February, 1964. It contained a claim for improved salary scales but did not request me to receive a deputation from the union. The letter with its representations was given due consideration in arriving at a decision to grant an increase in the salaries of the officers concerned and the union was so informed by letter dated 1st April, 1964. I may mention that the increase authorised in this case was in accordance with the ninth-round of increases as authorised in the public service generally.
Did the Minister say there was no request that he receive a deputation?
No, not a deputation to be received by me. There was reference in the letter to the fact that a union representative would be available to the officer who received the letter.
I do not know whether they meant that as a request that a deputation be received——
That is the usual request.
——but would the Minister now be prepared to receive a deputation from the union on this question?
The matter is not finalised in such a way that I could usefully talk to them but if they feel they have any useful information to give me, I am prepared to see them.
You will receive a deputation?
Yes.
The remaining questions for oral answer will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.