asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he received representations from the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Mountmellick, in regard to the payment of turf workers by the Leix County Council, whether he is aware that turf workers in this case are left without wages for a period of three weeks or longer from the date on which they commence work; and if so, whether he will inform the commissioner administering the affairs of the county (who is an employee of his Department) that as a matter of equity it is essential to pay wages weekly to turf workers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Payment of Turf Workers' Wages.
This is an old and difficult question and is having reconsideration.
Has it become a new question since the persons concerned had to seek assistance from the St. Vincent de Paul Society?
No. The issue, as well as the question, remains the same, and the question, like all questions in my Department, will be dealt with on its merits.
Sooner or later?
Sooner or later, and as soon as possible.
asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is aware that a large number of turf workers employed in County Leix ceased work last week as a protest against the low rates of wages paid them by the county surveyor acting as agent for the Government; if he will furnish particulars of the wages paid in these instances and, further, if he will state what action (if any) he has taken or proposes taking for the purpose of resolving the issues in dispute.
I have been informed that in three bogs in County Leix workers have ceased work so as to enforce their demands for increased wages, shorter hours and increased rations of tea, flour and bread. The rates of wages paid up to the present were: Sleansmen, 10d. per hour; wheelers, 8½d per hour; cleaners and spreaders, 7½d. per hour, for a 54-hour week. The position is being examined. Any action taken in the matter will be as part of the solution of the problem as a whole, and will not be affected in time or nature by the strike position referred to.