asked the Minister for Finance if he will state whether any instructions were issued to county surveyors regarding the wages to be paid to persons employed in the cutting, wheeling, etc., of turf produced under the directions of county surveyors, and, if so, what instructions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Turf Workers' Wages.
No specific instructions were issued to county surveyors regarding the rates of wages to be paid to persons employed on turf production, but they were advised that where time rates were paid the local county council rates of wages for road labourers should not ordinarily be exceeded. The surveyors were also advised to introduce piece rates wherever possible for the various operations, and a schedule of suggested piece rates was issued for their guidance.
Is the Minister aware of the fact that in the county Kildare, for example, a wage of 6/- per day was paid to persons engaged in wheeling turf and that that wage was reduced to 5/- per day when the men were wheeling turf to clamps? Will he explain why a wage of 30/- per week was paid to men for wheeling turf to clamps, while a wage of 36/- per week was paid to workers engaged in wheeling turf, which had just been cut, for the purpose of drying?
I am not aware, but I will investigate the matter.