asked the Minister for Agriculture if it is a fact that he has employed in a temporary capacity on the land rehabilitation project university graduates in agricultural science at a salary of £6 5s. 0d. per week; and that to carry out their duties these men must have and maintain motor cars on this salary; and, if so, whether he considers this salary commensurate with the qualification and duties of these men.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Land Rehabilitation Employment.
A small proportion of the officers at present employed in a temporary capacity on work under the land rehabilitation project, on salaries ranging from £320 to £525 per annum, are university graduates in agricultural science, but the holding of such degrees is not one of the conditions of employment in this division of the Department of Agriculture.
These men are not obliged to provide themselves with motor cars, but most of them have availed themselves of the general authorisation under which they are permitted to use their private motor cars when travelling on official business and are given appropriate mileage allowances in respect of such use of their cars.