asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will request the Agricultural Wages Board to examine the possibility of adjusting working hours in the agricultural industry so that farm labourers can enjoy a half-holiday on the Saturday of each week.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Agricultural Labourers' Working Hours.
Mr. Corish
The Agricultural Wages Board has no statutory functions in regard to the adjustment of working hours in agriculture. I would refer the Deputy to my reply to the question asked by Deputy Norton on 27th October, 1943.
Mr. Corish
Would the Minister be prepared to introduce the necessary legislation to enable the Agricultural Wages Board to deal with this matter?
I have not considered that up to the moment.
Mr. Corish
Is the Minister not aware that agricultural labourers are the only workers in the country who do not get a half holiday?
The employers do not get one either.
Mr. Corish
The employers can make their own arrangements.