asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether the engineering branch of his Department recently employed men in cutting trees at Kilmuckridge, County Wexford; and, if so, if he will state what rate of wages was paid to the men so employed; whether he is aware that some of the men employed resided at Wexford town, and whether he proposes to pay an allowance to these men for being required to travel over 17 miles to the place of employment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Workmen's Rates of Wages.
It is the case that men were recently employed by the Post Office in trimming trees at Kilmuckridge, County Wexford. They were paid the standard local wage of 31/6 for 48 hours. I am, however, having inquiry made as to whether something additional can be allowed in the case of two men who had to travel back to Wexford in their own time on completion of the work.
Would the Minister say where he got the standard wage from?
I am afraid I cannot answer that.
Does the Minister consider that the wage he has quoted is sufficient pay for men who had to travel 17½ miles on a bicycle? These men had to leave Wexford at 8 o'clock in the morning and did not get back until 8.30 in the evening, and their rate of wages was 31/6 per week.
The men were taken out there but apparently there was some mistake.
They were not taken out. They had to ride out on their bicycles.