asked the Minister for Finance whether he will consider increasing the wages of workers employed on road improvement schemes; the abolition of rotational employment in order to encourage these schemes; and if he will state the wages paid to workers under the schemes.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Road Improvement Schemes.
The rates of wages paid on schemes to which the Deputy refers in his question are determined by the wages payable by local authorities and also the wages fixed by the Agricultural Wages Board.
As regards the second part of the question, I would refer the Deputy to the reply given to his question on the 11th October last.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that in the County of Laoighis rural improvement schemes cannot be put into operation simply because workers cannot be got—rightly so, on account of the very low wages paid? Would he consider increasing the wages of workers employed on road improvement schemes in order to encourage more use of the rural improvement schemes?
The Parliamentary Secretary is aware that there is a shortage of rural labour in many areas, but I do not think the purpose the Deputy has in mind would be served by taking the course he suggests.
I should like to ask the Parliamentary Secretary whether any general consideration has been given by the Government to the question of increasing the wages paid by the various local authorities and also the wages paid in connection with the various schemes under his Department?
That is a very wide question, and one under which a long discussion could take place.
I am only asking whether any general consideration is being given by the Government to that question.
And I have answered the Deputy. I am answering the question as best I can.
Is it the policy that the minimum wage for all agricultural workers should also be the maximum wage? Is not that the policy at the moment?
The policy at the moment is that rates of wages shall not be paid on the type of work the Deputy mentions which might take away labour from other essential works.
Mr. Morrissey
But that is not the question I put to the Parliamentary Secretary.
It is a much wider question than the one on the Order Paper?
Mr. Morrissey
With all respect, Sir, I suggest that it is not so wide, and that that is the reason why Deputy Flanagan's question is on the Order Paper.