asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will give details of the sick-pay scheme applicable to land workers at each of the experimental stations; and the number employed at each station.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sick-Pay Scheme for Land Workers.
31.
The agricultural workers at my Department's farms are entitled to the normal sickness benefits payable under the Social Welfare Acts and no special sick-pay scheme is provided for them.
The number of workers at present employed at each farm is:
|
Abbotstown Farm |
33 |
||
|
Backweston Farm |
25 |
||
|
Thorndale Station |
7 |
||
|
Athenry Agricultural School |
45 |
||
|
Ballyhaise Agricultural School |
31 |
||
|
Clonakilty Agricultural School |
14 |
||
|
Munster Institute |
14 |
||
|
Total |
173 |
||
In view of the widespread application of sick-pay schemes in other employments, would the Minister not consider it about time for the Department of Agriculture to step into line?
In these matters, we like to keep in line with what is happening in the farming community generally.
Is the Minister suggesting that the farming community generally do not pay their workers when they are out sick for a short period?
It is not as simple as that, as the Deputy well knows.
The Minister is dodging the issue. Is it not a fact that it is general in agricultural employment that when a worker is out sick for a short period, he is paid at least portion of his wages, and that the Department of Agriculture do not apply that to their workers? Will the Minister have another look at it?
I think these things should properly be dealt with by the trade union concerned and the Deputy and I should not attempt to usurp their functions.
Does the Minister mean by that that his Department are now prepared to discuss the matter with the trade union concerned?
Certainly.
That is an improvement.