asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that bog workers in the various bogs in Mayo are not satisfied with their present rates of pay and are migrating in large numbers to England where conditions generally are more satisfactory; and, if so, if he is prepared to recommend to Bord na Móna that substantial increases be given.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Mayo Bog Workers.
I am not aware that the position regarding bog workers employed by Bord na Móna is as stated by the Deputy. As I informed the Deputy on 17th July, 1952, in reply to another question of the same kind, I have no function in the determination of the rates of wages and conditions of employment of workers employed by Bord na Móna. I understand that the board's wage rates are standardised throughout the country and that there is no difference between the rates paid in Mayo and elsewhere.
Would the Minister consider the recommending of an all-round increase to workers in Mayo and elsewhere?
I have no functionwhatsoever in that matter and I do not propose to take functions either.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that the shelters, nissen huts and other accommodation available to bog workers in Mayo are not as good as those available to workers engaged in the turf industry in most other counties and that many workers were obliged to leave their employment due to ill health brought about by such conditions; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take to remedy this situation.
The responsibility for providing shelters, nissen huts and other accommodation for bog workers in the employment of Bord na Móna rests with the board and I have no function in the matter. Any representations which the Deputy may wish to make on the subject should be addressed to the board.