Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 3 Mar 1999

Vol. 501 No. 4

Written Answers. - Traffic Wardens.

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

148 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Dublin traffic wardens employed by his Department have been unable to procure satisfactory and detailed information regarding security of tenure; the nature and terms and conditions of employment which will apply when they are transferred to the employment of Dublin Corporation; the steps, if any, his Department will take to acquire this information in the interests of enabling traffic wardens to make an informed decision regarding their future; his views on whether his Department has a responsibility to ensure that these employees are not disadvantaged by the transfer of their employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6329/99]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

I wish to assure the Deputy that the pay and conditions of the employment of the traffic wardens will not be adversely affected following their transfer to Dublin Corporation. The transfer is in accordance with the Govern ment decision of 26 July 1995, which accepted the recommendations submitted by the Minister for the Environment and Local Government in regard to the Dublin Transportation Initiative Plan for Dublin. This plan recommended, among other traffic management initiatives, the appointment of a director of traffic by Dublin Corporation to take over responsibility from the Garda Commissioner for the traffic services in the Dublin metropolitan area.

I should also explain that following prolonged and intensive negotiations under the PCW pay agreement, proposals were put to the unions representing the traffic wardens by both my Department and Dublin Corporation in December 1998. My Department's proposals included an offer of a pay increase while proposals by Dublin Corporation included enhanced pay and conditions on transfer to the corporation over and above what they enjoy at present. The traffic wardens, however, failed to ballot on these proposals, as they required clarification on the proposals put forward by the corporation.

The Deputy will appreciate that I cannot give the clarifications sought by the traffic wardens as these are matters solely for Dublin Corporation as their future employer.

My Department is currently pursuing the matter to ensure the Government decision in regard to the transfer is implemented at the earliest possible date.