asked the Minister for Lands if the workers employed on forestry schemes at Kinnity (Offaly) and Clonaslee (Laoighis) recently received an increase in their weekly rate of pay; 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 new rate, with arrears, if any, was paid; also the new rates now being paid to forestry workers employed in the counties of Laoighis and Offaly.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Forestry Schemes—Leix-Offaly.
Mr. Boland
The wages of all forestry workers were reviewed in connection with the recent order of the Agricultural Wages Board fixing rates for agricultural workers, and it was decided to fix a minimum rate of 29/- for forestry workers. The forestry workers at Kinnity and Clonaslee received in consequence an increase of 4/- and 5/- respectively as from 23rd May last being the date on which the order came into force.
On what date was the increased rate for arrears paid?
Mr. Boland
Almost immediately.