asked the Minister for Agriculture if the Agricultural Wages Board may prescribe plus rates or special rates for (a) horticultural workers and (b) tractor drivers; and if the Board may define (a) and (b) for the purpose of any statutory order providing for plus rates or special rates.
Written Answers. - Agricultural Wages.
24.
I am advised that it is competent for the Agricultural Wages Board in fixing minimum rates in respect of a wages district under Section 17 of the Agricultural Wages Act, 1936, to fix them so as to apply to any special class of agricultural workers. Such rates may also be subject to exceptions for employment of any special character and may vary, inter alia, according to the conditions of the employment. It would be for the Board to define any special classes dealt with in any of its Orders.
25.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if the Agricultural Wages Board may, by order, vary the existing Minimum Rates Order as it applies to Area A for male agricultural workers so as to prescribe a minimum rate of £5 19s. for a week of 41 hours for the week in which Saint Patrick's Day falls; and if he will state the specific authority concerned.
I am advised that it would be possible within the letter of Section 17 of the Agricultural Wages Act, 1936, to provide for a variation in rates according as a worker's conditions of employment do or do not require him to work on the day referred to. It would, however, be a matter for the Agricultural Wages Board to determine whether it would be proper for them to make such an Order having regard to existing conditions of employment.