asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state what steps he proposes to take to reimburse agricultural workers for the very heavy burden which is now being placed upon them as a result of the abolition of food subsidies; further, if he will now put into effect the undertaking which he gave some months ago to secure that farm workers in the Republic will be paid 10/- in excess of the wage rates of builders' labourers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Agricultural Workers' Wages.
Mr. Walsh
The fixing of minimum rates of wages for agricultural workers has been assigned by statute to the Agricultural Wages Board, which is an autonomous body.
My policy in this matter is to direct every effort towards an increase in agricultural production, so that from the increased return for their output farmers, while raising their own standards of living, will be in a position to increase the wages of their employees.
As a good example to the Agricultural Wages Board, would the Minister consider increasing the wages of the agricultural workers on the State farms?
Mr. Walsh
For what reason?
The increase in the cost of living.
Mr. Walsh
Provision has been made in the Social Welfare Acts, as the Deputy knows, to cover any increase that may have arisen through the withdrawal of food subsidies.