asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state when it is proposed to have the air base at Rhynana, Newmarket-on-Fergus, available for service, and what time is stipulated under the international agreement within which the air base must be available for such service.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rhynana Air Base.
Mr. Hogan
In view of the many factors involved, which are at present indeterminate, I am not in a position to say when the Shannon airport will be available for service. The transatlantic air transport services dealt with in the international agreement to which the Deputy refers are a separate matter from the provision of the airport. The international agreement does not, therefore, contain any stipulation as to a time limit or other condition incidental to the construction of the airport, which is being undertaken and financed entirely and solely by the Saorstát Government. It will be appreciated, nevertheless, that the development of the transatlantic air transport services by way of the Saorstát depends upon the provision of a suitable airport in this country.
Mr. Hogan
Do I understand that that means that if the other airports are ready prior to the airport at Rhynana being ready, Rhynana will be left out of the scheme?
I do not think the Deputy can understand that.
Mr. Hogan
asked the Minister for Finance if he will state whether representations have been made to his Department in respect of the rate of wages paid to workers employed on the air base at Rhynana, Newmarket-on-Fergus, County Clare, and what action his Department proposes to take with reference to these representations.
Representations have been made to the Commissioners of Public Works for payment of wages at the rate of 48/- a week to the labourers employed on the construction of the Shannon airport, and for payment of carters at 12/6 a day. It is not proposed to make any change in the existing rates.