asked the Minister for Defence at what date the ninth round wage increase will be extended to female attendants in Cork Military Hospital; and whether, in view of the fact that ninth round increases have been agreed for staffs of local authority and voluntary hospitals in the same area, he will state the cause of delay in granting this increase to the attendants in the Military Hospital.

An increase of 12 per cent in wages for wardsmaids in Cork Military Hospital has been authorised.

The delay in reaching a decision on this application was due to the time necessary for its full and adequate examination.

93.

asked the Minister for Defence the cause of the delay in extending ninth round wage increases to the civilian chefs and waiters in Custume Barracks, Athlone, and McKee Barracks, Dublin; and if he will arrange for such increases to be paid immediately.

Increases in pay for civilian chefs and waiters employed in military barracks are related to increases granted to similar classes in outside employment or, where there are no standard rates outside, to increases granted generally in a wage round. Agreement has only recently been reached on the granting of increases to chefs and waiters in Dublin hotels and restaurants. I hope to have the appropriate increases for the chefs and waiters in question authorised early.

94.

asked the Minister for Defence why the Pioneer Corps on the Curragh have not yet received the equivalent of the ninth round increase in their pay.

As the rate of pay of these Pioneers is directly related to that of Kildare County Council road workers, it was necessary to await the outcome of wage negotiations on behalf of the road workers. The increases for Pioneers have now been authorised.