asked the Minister for Lands whether he proposes to review the working conditions and wages of forestry workers with a view to their improvement.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Forestry Workers' Wages.
The rates of wages of labourers employed by the forestry division are being reviewed following the promulgation of the Agricultural Wages (Minimum Rates) Order, 1948. It is expected that a decision in the matter will be reached at an early date.
There are no representations before my Department in respect of the working conditions of forestry labourers.
Will the Minister state if he will regard this matter as urgent, and will he take into consideration the need for a departure from the policy of the former Government in tying down the rates of wages of forestry workers to those paid to agricultural labourers?
Certainly.
Has it not been the practice to increase the wages of forestry workers automatically following an increase to agricultural labourers by the Agricultural Wages Board? Why is the automatic practice not being adopted on this occasion?
There was no such automatic practice.
Except in keeping wages down.
I was addressing the Minister for Lands.
But even another Minister is still allowed to talk in this country.