asked the Minister for Lands when he proposes to sanction the increase in wages and to grant service pay to the employees of the Forestry Division and Land Commission as requested by the employees' trade unions some months ago.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Forestry and Land Commission Workers.
33.
The matters raised are still under examination, and will be the subject of negotiation with the trade unions as soon as possible.
The Minister will appreciate that his Department met a deputation from the trade union some time ago and promised to give an early decision but we have not heard from them since. Will he not agree that it has been the practice of his Department over the years to defer these matters for as long as two years, and as a new Minister for Lands, would he not try to have a change made and have an early decision on the matter? It is very important for the people concerned.
As I said in my reply, it will be the subject of negotiations with the trade unions as soon as possible, and that will be soon.