asked the Minister for Lands whether all workers at present or previously employed on forestry work at Clonaslee were recruited through the local labour exchange, and whether any preference is given, and, if so, to what extent, to married men for such employment; and whether it is now the policy of the Department to pay such workers at the rate fixed for agricultural labourers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Clonaslee Forestry Workers.
Mr. Boland
All workers employed on forestry operations at Clonaslee have been recruited through the local labour exchange, save the head labourer, and preference is given to those in receipt of the highest rates of unemployment assistance. As the Deputy was informed in reply to a previous question on 23rd ult., the rate of wages paid to the forestry workers at Clonaslee was fixed in relation to the existing rate for agricultural workers in the district, and is at present under review.
Is it the policy of the Department to pay forestry workers the same rate of wages now fixed by the Agricultural Wages Board for agricultural labourers?
Mr. Boland
That is the present policy. At the time this matter was brought up before, a couple of years ago, there was a difference of 2/- per week between the wages paid to agricultural labourers and the rate paid to these forestry workers, but since the wages of agricultural labourers were fixed by the Agricultural Wages Board, it has been decided to pay that rate. At present the whole matter is under investigation, as I told the Deputy a few weeks ago.
Is the Minister aware that 24/- is the minimum wage?
Mr. Boland
I am aware of that. As I have told the Deputy, the matter has been under consideration since he raised the question before.