asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state (a) the average wage of the agricultural workers in County Dublin when the Agricultural Wages Board was set up in 1936, (b) the wage to-day and (c) when the board will review the present wage with a view to an increase.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Agricultural Wages (County Dublin)
(a) The Agricultural Wages Board was not set up until 1937. The wages statistics available for that year relate only to the month of July and according to the figures given therein, permanent male agricultural workers over 21 years of age in County Dublin were in receipt of 30/- a week without free house or allowance of any kind. The first minimum rate specifically prescribed by the board for agricultural workers in County Dublin did not come into operation until May, 1938, when a minimum rate of 33/- per week of 54 hours was prescribed for part of the county.
(b) Statistics are not available as to the present average wages of agricultural workers in County Dublin. The present minimum rate prescribed by the Agricultural Wages Board for male agricultural workers of 19 years of age and upwards in County Dublin is £3 17s. 6d. for a week of 54 hours.
(c) I understand from the board, which is an autonomous body, that its minimum wage rates are kept under constant review.