asked the Minister for Education if he is now prepared to agree to the request of the County Sligo Vocational Education Committee that the basic wages of married caretakers of vocational schools be increased to 45/- a week.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Caretakers' Wages.
The rates of wages paid to married caretakers in the schools of the County Sligo Vocational Education Committee compare favourably with those of the agricultural workers in the area and having regard to the nature of their duties are, in my opinion, reasonable. I am not, therefore, prepared to sanction any increase over the existing rates.
Will the Minister consider bringing Ministers' salaries into relation with the wages paid to agricultural labourers? There does not seem to be any limit. There is just as much relationship between Ministers and agricultural labourers as between caretakers in vocational schools and agricultural workers.
It has been the policy of the Government in regard to such employees as forestry workers, land commission labourers and so on that there should be a definite relationship between the wage paid locally by the farmer and the wages paid by Government Departments. The Deputy represents an agricultural constituency and he should consult the farming community as to the reason for the scarcity of labour on the land at the present time.
Mr. Morrissey
I need not consult the farmers about that. I know the reason for it.
Surely the Minister realises that some farmers are paying a much higher rate than the agricultural rate in some areas.