asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that persons employed casually by the Leix County Council are not paid for their work for some weeks after such work is completed; and, if so, whether he will take steps to ensure that such persons are paid immediately they finish the work for which they are engaged.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Leix County Council Casual Workers.
I understand that formerly from three to four weeks elapsed before the first payment of wages was made, but I have been informed by the local authority that under the present arrangements where employment commences in the first week of the usual fortnightly pay period, wages are now paid the following week; otherwise payment is made at the end of the week following the close of the fortnightly period. This procedure appears to be in keeping with the system of fortnightly payment operated by the Laoighis County Council and is not open to improvement, save by the adoption of the weekly payment system recommended by my predecessor. That matter is one within the discretion of the county council to decide.