asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware that the wages of forestry workers range from 43/- in County Wexford to 47/- in County Dublin for a 48-hour week; that these rates are subject to reduction in respect of time lost through bad weather or for any other reason; that, in some areas, work is stopped on Church holidays, the men being deprived of a day's pay; that they are not provided with protective clothing or rubber boots, even when working in exposed situations or in marshland; and further, whether it is his intention to amend the existing regulations so as to provide a proper income for these men and to make available to them an issue of protective clothing and boots.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Forestry Workers' Wages.
Mr. Corish
Mr. Boland
The Deputy's information regarding the rates of wages paid to forestry labourers is not quite correct. These rates are related to the rates payable to agricultural labourers under the Agricultural Wages (Minimum Rates) Orders promulgated from time to time, and in fixing the rates of wages of forestry labourers cognisance is taken of the various groups into which the country is divided for the purposes of these Orders. The rates were last reviewed in June, 1946, consequent on the promulgation of the Agricultural Wages (Minimum Rates) (No. 2) Order 1946, and the new rates of wages payable since the 24th June, 1946, vary from 43/- a week in most parts of the country to 49/- a week in County Dublin.
On days on which normal outdoor work is not possible owing to wet weather, payment of wages is made where the labourers attend for work at the appointed time and remain available for alternative work so long as they are required. If no alternative work is available and it is reasonably certain that normal work will not be possible in the afternoon, the labourers are paid for the first half of the day only. Every effort is made to provide alternative work for the labourers on wet days.
The question of work on Church Holidays is usually governed by local custom. Any stoppage of work on such holidays is due to the voluntary action of the men themselves.
Rubber boots are provided for the use of forestry labourers engaged on operations for which such footwear is required. The provision of other protective clothing is not considered necessary.
The existing regulations in regard to the wages and conditions of service of forestry labourers are considered satisfactory and it is not my intention to amend them.