andMr. McQuillan asked the Taoiseach whether his attention has been drawn to the statement in Paper No. 12 of the Economic Research Institute that Irish wages are still distinctly low by European standards; and that by British standards they were even lower in 1961 than in 1953, despite a roughly equal rise in the per capita product in the two countries in recent years; whether the Central Statistics Office have statistics relative to this matter; and whether they can confirm the position stated.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Wage Rates.
3.
I have seen the statements referred to.
The Central Statistics Office have statistics in relation to this matter but they advise me that the calculations made in the paper referred to do not reliably measure quantitatively the relationship between the purchasing power of earnings in comparable occupations in different countries. Indeed, the author himself of the paper warns that the data from which he derives his comparison between Ireland and European countries should be treated with a great deal of reserve. The paper is on surer ground when dealing with this country, and the Deputies will, no doubt, have noticed the mention of the fact that real earnings here rose by 50 per cent between 1946 and 1961.
Wage rates in the United States of America, in Canada and in Australia are well known to be much higher than they are here. Yet, although there is no restriction on emigration from this country, the net passenger balances outwards by sea and air have fallen considerably in recent years — from 43,800 in the year ended the 28th February, 1961, to 22,300 in the year ended the 28th February, 1962, and to 12,226 in the year ended the 28th February, 1963. It is clear that our people generally appreciate that it is not the wages but what the wages can buy that counts.
I do not think the Taoiseach can deny the statement by the Economic Research Institute that Irish wages are distinctly lower than in other European countries and Britain. Therefore, in view of the fact that the Taoiseach is constantly saying that our industries are competitive with those of Great Britain and in view of the Common Market, would he not agree that the norm of pay for work done here should equal that in Great Britain and in European factories?
It is true we are not yet as wealthy as some of these European countries but we are proceeding in that direction and as we do proceed, it is inevitable that wages paid to workers will increase.
Is it not a fact that in this whole question the Taoiseach appears to accept that there is some disparity and that this disparity should continue? Why is it the Taoiseach does not suggest that there should be such disparity with regard to the amount of profits which are taken out of Irish industry? That is not so easy to answer, is it?