asked the Minister for Agriculture if the Agricultural Wages Board have recently considered the rate of wages payable to agricultural labourers with a view to increasing it; and, if so, when an announcement may be expected.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wages of Agricultural Labourers.
It has been ascertained from the Agricultural Wages Board that meetings of the five agricultural wages area committees were recently held and that recommendations were submitted to the board by each of these committees on the question of altering the minimum rates of wages at present in force. The recommendations made will, I understand, be considered by the board at a meeting to be held on Thursday, the 16th instant. It is not possible to say at this stage what the board's decision in the matter will be, but any alteration in the present rates would be publicly advertised in accordance with the board's usual procedure.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will recommend without delay an increase of wages to all agricultural labourers owing to the high cost of living and having regard to the fact that higher prices have been guaranteed to the farmers for their produce.
I would refer the Deputy to the reply given to Deputy Tunney on the 21st October, 1943, as regards my functions in matters relating to the work of the Agricultural Wages Board.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, does the Minister believe that if a farm labourer hands over 19/6 a week to his wife, that is a living wage with the present cost of living?
It is not a question of what I believe; I have no function in the matter.