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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 8 Apr 1943

Vol. 89 No. 14

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Engineering Workers' Bonus.

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce why the bonus award of 5/- per week made in respect of men employed by Messrs. Pierce, Wexford, and the Wexford Engineering Company, does not apply to workers under the age of 21.

The bonus Order referred to by the Deputy was made precisely in the terms recommended by the tribunal which heard the application. I am not empowered to enlarge the scope of such a recommendation.

I understand that at the meeting of the tribunal, the secretary to the tribunal drew attention to the omission, from the statements of wage rates handed in by the trade union representatives, of rates for apprentices, and it was agreed by the tribunal that having regard to the fact that the rates paid to apprentices were below the exemption limit appropriate to the urban district of Wexford, it was unnecessary to include apprentices in the application.

The exemption limit for Wexford urban district is £2 10/- per week. Rates of wages may be raised within that limit without reference to my Department and without the authority of a formal bonus Order.

Then, if an application was made on behalf of those under 21 years of age it would not be necessary to go before the tribunal.

It could be dealt with without reference to my Department at all. If the rates are below £2 10/- there need be no reference whatever to the Department.

So that employers can increase the rates to juveniles under Bonus Order 260.

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