asked the Minister for Agriculture whether, in view of the very substantial increase in the cost of living during the last three years and of the increased prices guaranteed for agricultural produce, he will take steps to secure by emergency order or otherwise a substantial increase in the wages payable to agricultural workers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wages of Agricultural Workers.
The Agricultural Wages Board is the statutory body established to deal with rates of agricultural wages. It is understood that the board has the existing rates at present under review and I have no doubt that the considerations mentioned by the Deputy will be taken into account.
Is the Minister aware that the trade board is also a statutory body, but that, under Emergency Powers (No. 83) Order, they were prevented from functioning, if functioning meant increasing wages? Would the Minister now say why the Government interfered with a statutory body which has power to increase wages and will not interfere with a statutory body which will apparently do nothing to increase wages? Why is Emergency Powers (No. 83) Order being utilised for the purpose of keeping wages low and why can it not be used in the case of agricultural workers, whose rates are notoriously low, to ensure increases in these rates?
That was one of the objects of the order.
To keep wages low?
To keep them as they are.
To keep down prices.
Is the Minister aware that some of the area boards recommended increases during the past few weeks——
That is perfectly true.
——and will he state the reason for withholding sanction in respect of them?
I have said that the board is about to meet.
I am referring to area boards.
The central board must meet to consider the representations of the area boards.