asked the Minister for Finance if the workers employed on the Douglas River (Laoighis) drainage scheme recently received an increase in their weekly rate of wages; and if so, if he will state the amount of it, the date when the increased rate was sanctioned, and the reason for it, the date from which the increased rate operates, and the date when the increased rate with arrears, if any, was paid; also whether the unemployment insurance cards of the men employed on this scheme are now being stamped by the Department concerned.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Douglas River Drainage Scheme.
Following the order of the Agricultural Wages Board, dated 6th May, 1938, fixing revised minimum rates for male agricultural workers, the wages of drainage labourers in all districts were reviewed, and it was decided that the drainage rate payable in the area covered by group II in the order referred to should be 30/- per week. The revised rate was put into operation on the Douglas River and other drainage schemes with effect as from the 23rd May, 1938, the date upon which the order came into operation. The unemployment insurance cards of all employees on the Douglas scheme who are legally insurable against unemployment are stamped.
What was the date of the increased rate of pay with the arrears?
I have given that information in the reply. I said that following the order of the Agricultural Wages Board, dated 6th May, 1938, fixing revised minimum rates for male agricultural workers, the wages of drainage labourers were reviewed, and that the revised rate was put into operation on the Douglas River and other drainage schemes with effect as from the 23rd May, 1938.
On what date were the arrears paid?
The Deputy asked me the date from which the increased rates operate. The increase was paid as soon as a decision was come to.
Was it paid on the eve of the election?
It had nothing to do with the election or with the Deputy's intervention either.