andMr. McQuillan asked the Taoiseach the total monetary increase in average annual wages or salaries granted since January, 1955 to (a) agricultural workers, and (b) industrial workers, and the total increase granted to old age pensioners.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Workers' Wage and Salary Increases.
7.
The minimum rates at present payable to agricultural workers are those prescribed under the Agricultural Wages (Minimum Rates) Order, 1961, which came into operation on 30th October, 1961. The minimum weekly rates prescribed under this Order for males aged 20 years and over represent an average increase of £79 per annum on the corresponding rates in operation in January, 1955.
The increase between December, 1954 and December, 1961 (the latest period for which the information is available) in the average weekly earnings of industrial workers employed in transportable goods industries represents an average increase of £144 per annum.
Since January, 1955 the rates of non-contributory old age pensions have been increased by £22 per annum. Since January, 1961, contributory pensions at rates up to £3 10s. Od. per week have been introduced for persons over 70 years of age and the number of non-contributory old age pensioners has been reduced by about 25 per cent.