asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he intends to introduce proposals for legislation to provide holidays with pay for agricultural workers; and if so, when.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Agricultural Workers' Holidays.
It is not my intention to introduce proposals for legislation for the provision of holidays with pay for agricultural workers.
Is the Minister aware that his predecessor indicated that it would be possible to invest the Agricultural Wages Board with the power to examine the question of providing holidays with pay for agricultural workers and, in view of that indication of the state of his predecessor's mind, on what grounds does he decline to provide a measure to provide holidays with pay for agricultural workers, as this House has provided legislation to give paid holidays to every other class of worker in the country?
I do not think that there is any substantial difference between the state of my mind and the mind of my predecessor as far as this particular matter is concerned. I am fully conscious of the practical difficulties as well as other considerations, of introducing any such proposal.
Is the Minister maintaining the position that while this House can provide legislation to provide holidays with pay for every other class of worker, the Government is not prepared to undertake the task of providing them for agricultural workers?
I have been asked a set question in regard to a particular type of worker and I have given my reply.