asked the Minister for Lands whether, in view of the fact that all workers in the Forestry Division of his Department are, for the purpose of insurance, classified as adult workers, he will have full adult wages paid to all of them.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Forestry Workers' Wages.
As I have already informed the Deputy on a number of occasions I see no reason for departing from the Department's existing practice of paying differential rates to juvenile workers. The fact that the insurance contribution is the same for workers whether they are 16 or 60 years of age does not affect the issue.
Is the Minister not satisfied in his own mind, apart from his capacity as Minister, that, where a man is employed and pays an adult insurance contribution and is regarded by the Department of Social Welfare as an adult for the purpose of taking money from him, it is grossly unfair for another Department to deduct money because they say he is not an adult? Surely that is completely contradictory?
If I were to follow out the Deputy's suggestion it would mean that those under 19 years of age would pay a lower insurance contribution and would only be entitled to lower benefits in the case of sickness. I will not allow that.
Question No. 24.
The Minister is now twisting as he usually twists.
The Deputy has said that the Minister is twisting.
Yes.
That is not a parliamentary expression and must be withdrawn. The Deputy will withdraw the remark.
The remark about twisting?
The Deputy will withdraw the remark.
I withdraw the "twist" remark.
Further arising out of the Minister's reply to Question No. 23, would the Minister say if that matter which has been raised repeatedly with him, that is the giving of a tea break to the employees of the Forestry Branch, has been decided?
A decision has been taken in that and the tea break will be allowed.
Is there a specific hour allotted for this tea break?
No. The tea break has been granted and it is left to the men and the forester in charge whether they will take it before the mid-day meal or after the mid-day meal.
At the same time as civil servants have it.