asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has considered the desirability of holidays with pay for agricultural workers; and, if so, whether, in view of the vital service being rendered by these workers to the whole community, and the necessity of encouraging them to remain on the land, he is prepared to bring them within the provisions of the Holidays (Employees) Act, 1939.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Holidays for Agricultural Workers.
When the Holidays (Employees) Act, 1939, was being framed the desirability of bringing agricultural workers within its scope was fully considered and it was decided that, having regard to the conditions under which farm work is carried on in this country, that course was impracticable. I do not consider that any change has taken place in the circumstances since then which would justify a departure from that decision.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, does he not think it would be in the interests of the farm labourers to bring them under the same regulations as industrial workers?
No. I think the conditions of employment of farm labourers are essentially different from those of industrial workers, and that any legislation for their protection must be specially framed for that purpose.