asked the Minister for Justice if the negotiations concerning the implementation of the rent allowances for gardaí arising from the Conroy Commission's Report have as yet been completed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Rent Allowances.
47.
It has been already decided to pay the rent allowances recommended by the Conroy Commission in respect of those members not living in official accommodation and this decision has been conveyed to the Garda representatives. Negotiations are still in progress, however, about the grading of the official accommodation which is provided in different areas and the charges to be made in respect of the accommodation of different grades once the grading has been agreed on.
A meeting of the Conciliation Council of the Garda Síochána was held on the 14th April at which it was decided to set up a working party to examine the question of the classification of the accommodation and to leave the question of charges to be discussed at the Conciliation Council. The working party made their report on 17th June, 1970.
A meeting of the council is to be held early in August at which it is excepted that the rates will be determined and, if agreement is reached, the new scheme will be set in motion forthwith.
Will the Minister sanction payment immediately agreement is reached?
I have already said I will. Assuming agreement is reached at the August meeting, and I hope it will be, sanction will be forthcoming at once and payments will be retrospective to 1st April last.