andMr. Tunney asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is prepared to amend the Agricultural Wages Act, 1936, by Emergency Powers Order, or otherwise, in such a manner as will enable him to convene meetings of the board for the purpose of considering proposals to increase the wages of agricultural workers as circumstances may require.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Agricultural Wages Act.
I see no reason for adopting the course suggested by the Deputies. I consider that the existing arrangements for the regulation of wage rates by the Agricultural Wages Board are adequate and that the board satisfactorily performs its statutory functions.
Does not the Minister realise that a wage of 36/- per week at present paid to agricultural workers is utterly insufficient having regard to the high cost of living. As Minister for Agriculture, having paramount responsibility for the direction of agricultural activities in the country and necessarily being concerned with the well-being of agricultural workers, will he not equip himself with these powers so as to make sure that he can compel the board to meet and revise the low wages of agricultural workers?
I am sure the Deputy will achieve his purpose by having that published.
This ironical and cynical outlook of the Minister for Agriculture on the wages of agricultural workers is in keeping with his general muddling——
That is not a supplementary question.