asked the Minister for Health if he will state the weekly rate of wages required as at mid-May, 1958, to equal (a) the farm workers' wages and (b) the dairy workers' wages paid by the Portrane Mental Hospital, County Dublin, with effect from 28th May, 1956.
Written Answer. - Wages at Portrane Mental Hospital.
The Deputy's question is phrased in somewhat ambiguous terms. If he means what rates of wages, in the case of the employees mentioned, would correspond at mid-May, 1958 to those paid since the end of May, 1956, due allowance being made for the increase in the meantime in the cost-of-living index figure, the answer is £6 9s. 1d. and £7 0s. 0d. a week respectively.
The Deputy will appreciate, however, that the adjustment of wage rates by reference solely to the cost-of-living index figure and without regard to the many other important considerations which have to be taken into account in determining such rates would be highly inflationary and would lead ultimately to reduced standards of living and to increased unemployment. The recognition of this principle by industrial employers and workers generally was an underlying factor of the national wages agreement arrived at in September, 1957.