asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is aware that the Cork County Council unanimously expressed the view that the increases recently sanctioned to road workers and carters in County Cork are inadequate and pressed for further consideration of the matter; and if he is now prepared to review the rates of wages with a view to a further increase.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cork Road Workers' Wages.
The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second, I would refer the Deputy to the terms of the reply I gave on the 2nd ultimo to a question relating to the payment of an emergency bonus to road workers and carters employed by the Cork County Council. I have nothing further to add to that reply.
In view of the fact that the expenses of living have increased since that decision was taken, that a number of these workers in County Cork are not continuously employed, that their work is largely of a casual nature, and that the new method of payment tends to deprive them of rates of wages which they were formerly paid, would the Minister say whether all these things would enable him to reconsider this matter?
I think I shall have to refer the Deputy to the reply I gave on the 2nd May last when, I think, every aspect of this question was fully covered.
Would the Minister not agree that, since the 2nd May last, certain conditions have arisen which would require further consideration to be given to this matter?
I do not think so. I think that the agricultural rate of wages in the county must be related to this matter.
Agreed; but the rate of wages for these road workers and carters must also be related.
Well, there is plenty of work for them on the land.