asked the Minister for Finance if he will state what rate of wages it is proposed to pay sleánsmen and wheelers who are employed on the production of national turf in the County Kildare during the current year.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wages on Turf Production Operations.
Workers engaged in turf production on the Government camp scheme will be paid at the rate of 32/- per week of 48-hours with overtime at the rate of 1/- per hour. In the case of workers residing in the camps a deduction of 5/- per week will be made in respect of board and lodging. Piece work will be paid for at rates set to earn for a good worker 1¼ times the time rate.
Am I to understand from the Minister that those rates apply only to persons resident in the camp?
To persons engaged in turf production on the Government camp scheme.
Would the Minister say what rates of wages will be paid to local workers not obliged to reside in camps?
The same rate as those residing in camps.
Am I to understand then that a local worker employed on a turf scheme in County Kildare will only be paid a wage of 32/- this year, although last year the county council paid such workers 8/- a day for sleánsmen and 6/- to 7/- per day in respect of wheelers? Have the Government decided to reduce the wages from 48/- a week for sleánsmen, which was paid in 1941, to 32/- per week in 1942? Is that a correct interpretation?
I have nothing to add to the reply I have given.
The Minister is adding nothing to nothing. That is most intelligent for him. He will not say if the 48/- last year will be reduced to 32/- this year?
I have nothing to add.