asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that one of the major obstacles to the progress of the turf industry is the low level of time-rate wages paid by Bord na Móna; and whether, in view of this, he is prepared to impose a tax of 1/- per ton on coal imports, to be payable by importing agents, and without making a corresponding increase in the retail price of coal, so as to provide a sufficient subsidy to enable a higher wage to be paid to turf workers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wages of Turf Workers.
I cannot agree with the suggestion that the level of time-rate wages paid by Bord na Móna is an obstacle to the progress of the turf industry; and I could not see my way to recommend to the Government that a tax be imposed on imported coal to subsidise the wages of turf workers. In any event, the proceeds of such an import tax would accrue to the benefit of the Exchequer generally, and would not be allocated for a particular purpose such as the subsidisation of wages.
I take it that the Minister is of opinion that a time-rate of 1/4 per hour is sufficient for the men who are employed on the strenuous work of turf development in Kildare, Offaly and elsewhere? Is the Minister not aware that the lowness of this rate is responsible for a continual drift of men from the camp each year?
I am not so aware. I am aware of the fact that at least 80 per cent. of the men are earning wages substantially in advance of anything earned by any other workers employed in rural Ireland.
On piece rates?
On piece rates, and more than 80 per cent. of the workers employed are on piece rate.