asked the Minister for Finance if he will state the number of claims awaiting determination at arbitration or conciliation level; the dates upon which the claims were originally made; by whom they were made and the grades affected; the nature of each claim; and when it is expected it will be determined.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Civil Service Salary Claims.
5.
I asked the Deputy to repeat this question but find that the extraction and assembly of the data asked for would require an entirely disproportionate amount of time and effort.
I can say, however, that claims for arbitration are normally dealt with in the order in which they are submitted for arbitration. Factors affecting determination are the frequency with which the Civil Service Arbitration Board can be convened and the time taken in presentation of claims.
At the General Council and Departmental Councils, claims are dealt with as far as possible in the order agreed between the official and staff sides.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that I asked this question on a previous occasion and the Minister gave me the information I sought? Why, now, is there this attempt to conceal the information which it was easy enough to give on another occasion?
I am not aware that the Minister concealed any information from the Deputy.
If I can bring it to the Parliamentary Secretary's attention, will he say whether he will get the information or will he say what change of policy has now occurred? Is it because there are so many cases awaiting determination that they are ashamed to disclose it?
I shall convey the Deputy's remarks to the Minister.
It is a disgraceful situation. It is the third question and it will not be answered this week.