asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware of the discontent amongst the labouring staff at A. R. P. Headquarters, St. Anne's, Clontarf, due to the inadequate wage paid for their special kind of work; and if he will state the wages paid to the men classed as casual labourers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - A.R.P. Labourers' Wages.
Mr. Byrne
I am aware that representations have been made by and on behalf of labourers employed by my Department in the air-raid precautions stores with a view to having their wages increased. The present rate of remuneration, 1/3½d. an hour for a 44-hour week, is in accordance with the standard rate laid down for casual labourers in the Department of Posts and Telegraphs by which Department these men were recruited on behalf of this Department.
Mr. Byrne
Can the Minister state the result, of the representations made to him for an increase in wages that will put these men on the same level as permanent labourers? They have to pay 4/- per week bus fare to get to their work. Will the Minister not provide them with tickets to enable them to get to their work?
I have informed the Deputy that the men in whom he is interested are seconded from another Department to my Department. Their application will have to be dealt with by the other Department.
Mr. Byrne
What is the proper Department to which these men can appeal for fair treatment?
I have given the name of the Department in my answer.
Mr. Byrne
I did not catch the name of the Department.
I said in the course of my answer that the present rate of remuneration is in accordance with the standard rate laid down for casual labourers in the Department of Posts and Telegraphs by which Department these men were recruited.
Mr. Byrne
That is in the city, but these men work four miles away on the outskirts of the city. Where men in the employment of a local authority have to work on the outskirts of the city, their bus fare is always paid by the local authority. Would the Parliamentary Secretary not consider giving these men at least their bus fares?