asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that persons employed by local authorities, including the Dublin Corporation, on schemes for the relief of unemployment on temporary work have not received any bonus or grant to meet the increases in the price of food and clothing; and if, in view of the contributions made by the Government, through the Employment Schemes Vote, he will now authorise increased payments to be made to all relief workers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Payment of Relief Workers.
I am aware that in every area workers employed temporarily on schemes for the relief of unemployment have received increases over and above the rate of wages paid in 1939.
I asked a question which the Minister has not answered. Will the Minister please answer the question on the paper of which I have given due notice?
The Deputy asked me if I was aware:—
"that persons employed by local authorities, including the Dublin Corporation, on schemes for the relief of unemployment on temporary work have not received any bonus or grant to meet the increases in the price of food and clothing."
I have told the Deputy what is quite true, that:—
"I am aware that in every area workers employed temporarily on schemes for the relief of unemployment have received increases over and above the rate of wages paid in 1939."
The last line of the question asks if the Minister will now authorise increased payments to be made to all relief workers to help them to meet the increased cost of living.
I have already authorised numerous increases to relief workers since 1939.
The Minister must be aware that relief workers who are getting work from the corporation under schemes of grants from the Government and the corporation have got no increase whatsoever in the last couple of years and I am asking him now will he give the corporation permission to increase their grant and, if they do, will the Minister increase his grant so as to give these people something to meet the increased price of food and clothing; they get only three months' work a year.
Relief workers in the employment of Dublin Corporation received an increase on the 1st January, 1946. No further proposals have been submitted to me.