asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state on what grounds he refuses to permit the Kildare County Council to increase the wages of road workers above 30/- per week, and whether, having regard to the high cost of commodities and the low wages received by such workers, he is now prepared to authorise the county council to increase the wages of such workers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kildare Road Workers' Wages.
In August, 1940, local bodies were notified that the rates of wages paid to road workers employed on works financed either wholly or partly out of grants were not to exceed the appropriate rates of wages obtaining on the 1st September, 1939. If increased wages are to be paid on such works it would have the effect of increasing the cost of works and reducing the number of persons who would benefit from the employment. It is in the interest of unemployed workers that employment should be extended as widely as possible, and in the present circumstances it is not proposed to vary the decision come to in 1940.
Is the Minister aware that the cost of living has increased from an index figure of 72 in September, 1939, to 137 in mid-February this year? In view of that very substantial increase, on what grounds does he pretend to justify as a Christian wage 28/6 per week to road workers?
On the grounds which have been already stated in the reply, that as the amount of money which can be expended on this particular class of work is limited, it is socially more advantageous to give it to a greater number than would receive it if the cost of the works were to be increased.
Would the Minister say how he reconciles a declaration of that kind in respect of road workers paid 28/6 a week with the definite decision to pay a salary of £2,500 for a part-time job in the Great Southern Railways?
If the Minister examines the number of road workers employed in 1941 as against 1940, he will see that this arrangement has not had the effect he pretends.
May I just point out to the Deputy that the wages which these men are paid compare very favourably with those received by agricultural labourers in the district?
Is the Minister aware of the fact that we ascertained from the Minister for Agriculture that the rate paid to agricultural labourers in parts of the county is over 30/-?
In some parts.
The maximum wage of the road worker is 30/- less deductions all of which the agricultural worker does not pay.