asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that the agricultural rate of wages fixed for County Clare is 6/- per week lower than the rate of wages paid to road workers employed by the Clare County Council; and that the rate paid for agricultural work on the Dromoland Estate is £2.17s. 4d. for a 50-hour week, and if he will state what justification there is for such rates in respect of workers employed on such important productive work.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Agricultural Wages (Clare).
The responsibility for the fixing of minimum rates of agricultural wages is entrusted by statute to the Agricultural Wages Board. I have no functions in relation to the wages orders made by that body.
Does the Minister not think that it is time that the Agricultural Wages Board should be acquainted of the irregular, anomalous and totally discreditable position at present existing?
The Deputy is, no doubt, fully aware that inasmuch as I have no function in the matter, I am not circumstanced to deal with his question in any greater detail than I have done.
Will the Minister undertake to pass on the information to the body concerned?
Very gladly, but I am not any better equipped to do so than is the Deputy.