asked the Taoiseach if he will amplify his recent statement on the desirability of wage increases for workers so as to indicate how the many thousands of unorganised farm and rural workers will obtain their just share of increased productivity.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wage Increases for Workers.
1.
It was indicated in my letter to the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and the Federated Union of Employers that one of the advantages of a general agreement negotiated through the National Employer/Labour Conference would be that such an agreement would assist workers, who may not have the benefit of trade union organisation, in seeking corresponding wage improvements. Such a general agreement would undoubtedly be taken into account by the Agricultural Wages Board, by the Joint Labour Committees and by those involved in the settlement of wages of other classes of rural workers who are not covered by these bodies. If the Deputy has in mind that the Government should take powers by legislation to secure wage increases for unorganised workers generally, this would raise an important question of policy on which the Government would wish to have the views of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and of other interested organisations before taking any decision.
Is the Taoiseach aware that the Agricultural Wages Board have already taken a decision to increase agricultural workers' minimum rate by 5/- a week with effect from 28th December? Does he consider that that is a reasonable standard in accordance with his statement?
That does not seem to be quite relevant to the question I have been asked.
Would the Taoiseach explain why the question of raising agricultural workers' wages is not relevant to the question put down by Deputy Dunne?
The question relates to a process that has not yet begun, as far as I understand.
That is just bluff. There is provision for it.
Surely the Taoiseach will agree that the Agricultural Wages Board have not set a very good example in having offered 5/- a week as an increase?
As I pointed out in the reply, one of the advantages that I see in a national agreement, if it can be arranged, is that it would set an example for the Agricultural Wages Board.
The Taoiseach will readily recognise that the type of worker referred to in the question is not included in this council.
No. This relates only to workers who are organised.
Agricultural workers and others.
Would the Taoiseach not try to ensure, through the Agricultural Wages Board or the Government's nominees on the committee, that something more than 5/- a week will be offered to those engaged as agricultural workers at the present time?
Deputies can have it one way or the other. Either there is an independent board to deal with these matters or the Government will deal with them. I do not know which way Deputies want it.
The Government are represented on this committee.
The Agricultural Wages Board is nominated by the Minister and while we in the trade union movement do not want to have the Government regulating wages, we do not want statements that the standard will be increased while at the same time this example is given by a Governmentsponsored board.
It is not a Government-sponsored board.
This is developing into an argument.