asked the Minister for Lands when he proposes to implement the 12 per cent national wage adjustment in respect of forestry workers; and from what date arrears will be payable.
35.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wage Increase for Forestry Workers.
34.
asked the Minister for Lands if it is proposed to grant any increases in wages and bonuses payable to forestry workers employed by his Department; and if he will give particulars of them.
36.
asked the Minister for Lands whether any decision has yet been reached with regard to the representations made to him for the application of the terms of the national wage agreement to forestry workers employed by his Department; and, if not, when he intends to make such decision.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 34, 35 and 36 together. It is proposed to increase the basic wage rates of forestry labourers by 12 per cent with a floor of £1 per week for adult male workers with effect as from 1st February, 1964.
Would the Minister say how it is that the Forestry Division were unable to notify the trade unions negotiating for those workers of this matter even as recently as two days ago and yet the information can be supplied by the Minister in the Dáil?
There were other considerations. A decision on this matter could not be taken in respect of forestry workers alone, as the Deputy will appreciate. Is the Deputy complaining I am not giving him a clear answer?
I am complaining the Minister has given the increase with effect from 1st February. One of the things to be taken into consideration was the rate being paid to local authority employees but his colleague beside him had the decency on this occasion to sanction the increase from 14th January.
The Deputy's information is not wholly correct. According to my information, some local authorities have brought it into effect from 1st February, whereas others have not brought it into effect until 1st April.
17 of them from 14th January and one of them from 1st February.