asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware that the wages of forestry workers are now less than those of agricultural workers and if he will state why the differential over agricultural wages formerly paid to forestry workers has been withdrawn and if he will restore the differential; further, whether he is prepared to stop the practice of deducting from the wages of forestry workers the time lost while attending Mass on Church holydays; and, finally, whether he is aware that these and other grievances are causing serious discontent among forestry workers which is likely to end in a general stoppage of work.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wages of Forestry Workers.
The Deputy is misinformed in regard to the wages of labourers employed by the Forestry Division. In fact, forestry labourers are paid higher rates of wages than those fixed for agricultural workers under the Agricultural Wages Act.
The differential previously paid to forestry labourers was granted in 1947 because they were extensively employed on the production of domestic fuel. When this factor no longer obtained the grounds for payment of the differential disappeared.
The treatment of forestry labourers in respect of Church holydays is under examination.
Does the Minister consider that it is a valid reason for the abolition of the differential which formerly obtained to say that since forestry workers are no longer engaged in the production of fuel their wages should, accordingly, be reduced? Is that the considered opinion of the Minister and of the Department?
In actual fact their wages were not reduced.
Comparatively speaking, they were reduced.
A differential of 2/- a week, which was granted in 1947, existed. They were requested to provide as much domestic fuel as possible owing to shortages in that period. There have been two increases since to the forestry workers, but the increases did not still leave the differential there as regards agricultural wages. The position in regard to Church holydays is at present under examination. As I have told the Deputy before, I would much prefer not to see these men working on Church holydays, if at all possible. The Deputy may take it that my sympathy is in the direction of not deducting pay for time spent by reason of attendance at church on holydays.
In view of the great dissatisfaction which exists among forestry workers with regard to the present wage rate—which dissatisfaction has existed over a long number of years—will the Minister now consider restoring the differential so as to give the forestry workers a slightly better chance of getting a living than is the case at the present time and so as to avoid any complications that may arise?
I would request that Questions Nos. 11 to 14, inclusive, be not taken until to-morrow, when the Minister for Agriculture will be present.
Questions Nos. 11 to 14, with the consent of the Deputies, postponed until to-morrow.