asked the Minister for Local Government if he proposes to take any steps to remove the grievances of part-time firemen.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Part-Time Firemen.
108.
The negotiation of improved pay and conditions of part-time firemen is a matter for the local authorities in the first instance. I understand that negotiations on a claim made by these firemen has been the subject of meetings of a Labour Court conciliation conference and a further meeting is to take place in the very near future.
I presume the Minister is aware that the part-time firemen have a great sense of grievance in the sense that the Minister says the matter in the first instance is one for the local authorities and they are under the impression that the local authority are saying it is a matter for the Minister. I know that is not what the Minister is saying but I am sure he is aware that they have this sense of grievance. They think they are being sent from pilliar to post. Therefore, would the Minister try to ensure that the part-time firemen understand what is the legal position and what is the Minister's legal position in relation to the local authorities?
As one who represented the largest group of the part-time firemen for approximately 26 years, I assure the Deputy that those people are in no doubt whatever as to what is the position. However, I appreciate that some of them have been confused by statements made to the effect that the matter is being held up by the Department of Local Government. This is not so. A sub-committee of the ICTU are at present trying to work out an agreed solution with the County Managers Association and I assume that they will reach early agreement. Considerable improvement was made in the rates of pay and conditions a few months ago pending a final settlement.
I am aware of that but I am referring to the terms of the Minister's reply which is in the classic traditional form: it is correct but it can lead to misunderstanding.
The position is that the matter is one for the local authorities. I did not set up the arrangement by which these matters are dealt with by local authorities before they are passed on for sanction where necessary. However, the system is not a bad one at all.
I am not complaining about the system but about the misunderstanding which has arisen.
Perhaps the statement I have made to the effect that the ICTU group of unions are at present negotiating with the County Managers Association for a suitable settlement to this claim will help clear up the misunderstanding. I am informed that the group concerned are giving active consideration to a possible settlement as a result of these negotiations.