asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is aware that before the passing of the Conditions of Employment Act, 1936, the Leix road workers worked a 54-hour week out of which they were allowed one half-day, the working week being 49½ hours for the full week's pay; that since the passing of the Act the hours of work specified by the Commissioner are five days of 8¾ hours and one day of 4¼ hours; that the Commissioner still operates the old bye-law passed when the half holiday was a special privilege, which entitles him, when a man has two broken days of work in the week, to stop 2/6 from the man's wages in addition to the payment for the time actually lost; and if, since the half-crown stoppage was to meet a privilege half holiday, he will take the necessary steps to prevent this fine now that the half holiday is a legal right.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Leix Road-Workers' Wages.
The wages of county council roadmen are fixed by the local authority without reference to the Minister. I am not aware that the position is as represented but I will cause inquiries to be made and communicate with the Deputy.