asked the Minister for Finance if he has fixed in respect of the 1942 season the wages payable to men employed on the work of road drainage in County Meath at 30/- per week, less deductions in respect of broken time and, if not, whether he will state at what rate such work will be paid for; whether he is aware that during 1941 the men concerned were paid by the county council at the rate of 35/- per week; whether he is aware that at their last meeting the Meath County Council adopted unanimously a resolution expressing dissatisfaction at the attitude adopted by the Government in regard to the fixing of wages for men employed on bog drainage and calling on the Government to increase the rate of remuneration for these men to 35/- per week at least, and whether he will state if it is his intention to give effect to the recommendation of the county council in this matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wages in County Meath.
asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of the great dissatisfaction which exists in South Meath at the wage of 30/- per week paid for bog reclamation, and if he is aware that a large scale strike was averted only on condition that the matter would be raised in the Dáil immediately it resumes, and if he will now take steps to see that the wages paid are not less than those paid to county council road workers, i.e., 35/- per week.
I propose to take Questions 5 and 11 together.
I have been informed of the position in a written statement by Deputies from the constituency and others. At this period of the year, large scale employment works are normally carried out on the basis of part-time employment and part contribution by local authorities. Owing to possible conflict with demands for agricultural labour these works are generally being shut down this week. The works referred to in the questions are works done in substitution for these employment schemes; have been done on a full-time employment basis, and with full State contribution and are, where possible, being continued. Their continuance in Meath, at present, is doubtful. The rate of wages has been set at the present level in the hope that they can be continued. When the position of agricultural labour becomes more clear, it might be possible to review the question.
When is the position in regard to agricultural labour likely to become more clear—next year?
I should hope at an earlier date than that. It is recognised that this is a difficult question, that it is rather a border-line position. A good deal of attention has been given to it and our desire is to find some solution.