Vol. 486 No. 6
148 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will grant parity to the laboratory technicians who are involved in the veterinary research laboratories in regional locations, including Sligo, with pay scales similar to medical laboratories' technicians employed in hospitals who hold similar or equivalent third level qualifications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3049/98]
Laboratory technicians in the veterinary research laboratories are part of a group of laboratory technicians in the Civil Service generally who are seeking a settlement similar to that negotiated on behalf of medical laboratory technicians in the health service under the local bargaining clause of the PCW.
This claim has been the subject of negotiations between the union concerned and the Department of Finance and representatives of the Departments involved but it was not possible to reach agreement. It has been referred to adjudication under the arrangements agreed between the Government and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions to resolve outstanding issues under the local bargaining clause of the PCW. The adjudication finding on the claim is expected shortly.
