asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether, with reference to a reply of 21st July, 1965, additional staff have been appointed to the Prices Section of his Department since 1st April 1965; and, if so, the number and rank of such personnel.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Prices Section Staff.
50.
The following additional staff have been made available for the Prices Section of my Department since 1st April, 1965: one Assistant Principal; two higher executive officers; six executive officers; and one clerk typist. To the extent to which their services are not, from time to time, required for prices work, some of the junior staff are utilised for other departmental work.
Was there any outdoor staff recruited in the Prices Section?
This is the staff recruited in that section.
Was no outdoor staff recruited?
There has been outdoor work done by staff already available.
Who is employed in the Prices Section?
I have the position in the Prices Section of my Department which is set out in the last answer I gave as on 1st April. The staff consisted of one principal officer, one assistant principal, one higher executive officer, one professional accountant, an executive officer and one clerk-typist. The services of nine general departmental inspectors are also available. This question referred to increases in the staff since then.
I am asking the Minister if there was any increase in the outdoor staff?
There are nine general departmental inspectors working——
The point Deputy Corish is asking about and the point on which we would all like clarification is: were any additional outdoor inspectors recruited since the passing of the Prices Act?
No, I am using the inspectors.
Might I inquire if the Minister despatched any of the nine inspectors to the B & I Shipping Company operated by his colleague, the Minister for Transport and Power, to ask why freight rates are to be increased by ten per cent and five per cent and, if so, what rejoinder he received?
Could the Minister say if there are any other officers of any other Department such as Social Welfare engaged on prices inspection and checking?
No; the work of the Prices Section up to now has been mainly on the three months' notice and some 80 applications are held up because of this notice. Spot inspections in regard to the application of the law have been made and I have reports from these inspectors which are being examined at the moment. The main activity under the Act has been the prevention of increases in a very big number of cases because of this requirement to give three months' notice.
Have the B & I given three months' notice?