asked the Minister for Finance whether a fair wages clause was inserted in the contract made with Messrs. J. E. Mills and Company, catering contractors, in respect of the catering service at Leinster House; and if so, whether the terms of the contract are being carried out by the caterers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Oireachtas Restaurant.
I am informed by the Ceann Comhairle that the answer to the first part of the question is in the negative.
The contract, I understand, provides that the caterers shall be solely responsible for the employment and control of such employees as they require to carry on the business and that such employees shall not be remunerated at a lower rate than obtained prior to the date of the contract which was the prevailing trade union rate. Rates of wages not less than the prevailing trade union rates have always been paid.