asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if it is proposed to increase the remuneration of trainee fishermen.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Trainee Fishermen's Remuneration.
84.
An increase in the allowance being paid to trainee fishermen under my Department's training scheme is not contemplated at the moment, but the matter will be kept under review.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that when the cost of the social welfare stamp is deducted from their pay, they have very little left, that it does not even pay for board and lodging? Would he, therefore, have an increase granted to them as quickly as possible?
The amount paid by the Department to guesthouse owners who provide full board and accommodation for these trainees at Moville during the season has been increased as follows from 1968 to meet the increased cost of living, following representations from the guesthouse owners concerned. In 1968 it was £5 per week per boy; in 1970 it was £6 per week per boy; in 1973 it was £7 per week per boy; and as from the fourth of this month it has been increased to £8 per week per boy. As well as that, trainees are given a weekly allowance of £5, and deducting the insurance contribution mentioned by the Deputy, it means he has £3.64 weekly together with the lodging allowance of £8. The same position applies, of course, during the period of seven months when they are undergoing practical training in the selected fishing vessels. Therefore, taking it all in all, I think they are being looked after reasonably well.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary agree that £3.64 is sufficient to keep a young man in pocket money for the week and to cover ordinary expenses?
No. The position is that £3.64 is a reasonable contribution towards the cost of his maintenance, together with the £8 paid to the guesthouse owner. Public funds are subsidising each trainee in so far as pocket money and lodging allowance are concerned to the extent of £13 weekly. Such trainees are exceptionally fortunate, first of all, in being selected, because there is some competition now to get a place in the training school. I am sure their parents would not mind making a contribution.
The trainee feels that all he is getting is £3.64 a week.
The Deputy has already said that. Deputy Collins.
It is inclined to discourage young people from going into the trainee scheme.
There is no discouragement at all. He is getting £3.64 together with an insurance contribution, £8 weekly and free training.
I am surprised at the Parliamentary Secretary saying that £3.64 is sufficient——
That is pocket money.
What about clothes?
Might I inquire from the Parliamentary Secretary as to when the trainees were last given an increase in their personal allowance and the amount of that increase?
They were given an increase in their lodging allowance on 4th February last, and the last increase was given on 1st January, 1972.
That was a personal allowance?
They were brought up to £5 weekly then. This year we increased the lodging allowance, taking into account the increased charges made by boarding house keepers. The State has provided a new school for their training, and having regard to all the circumstances, I think they are being very well looked after.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary——
Deputy Crinion, please do not try to barrack the Chair. The Chair has devoted a lot of time to this question and must try to make progress on other questions as well.
It is very important.
All questions are important.
May I ask a final question arising out of the last reply saying that it was 1st January, 1972 that these trainees were given the last increase? We are now approaching March, 1974. Would the Parliamentary Secretary consider having another look at this to see if we could give them a few more bob?
All the information available to me is that these boys are being generously treated. The £3.64 is pocket money.
New socialist thinking; a great new socialist approach!