asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the steps, if any, that have been taken to ensure that industrial workers will not suffer shortage of wages in view of the situation arising from fuel and energy difficulties.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Industrial Workers' Wages.
32.
The statutory orders which have been made by the Minister for Transport and Power concerning the allocation of available supplies of petroleum products include provisions which ensure that industry is given priority treatment.
The Government has set up a Consultative Committee on Energy and the Economy on which industrial, agricultural and trade union interests as well as the Government Departments mainly concerned are represented. The committee's terms of reference include advising on measures to maintain the highest possible level of employment.
Has this committee yet reported on any issue to the Minister?
The situation is that this committee is ongoing. It was not to produce a single report. I cannot recollect whether it is three or four reports but certainly more than two reports on its deliberations have been submitted. Therefore, in reply to the question: "Have I or other Ministers received information on it?" the answer is "yes". There will not be a final report because it is an ongoing committee.
The Minister said this committee is ongoing. Does it meet daily or does it meet once a week?
I cannot give the Deputy the exact intervals. He will be aware that such people as the Secretary of my own Department are on it. These are busy people. The committee meets regularly.