asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries why there was such a delay in granting an increase in wages to agricultural labourers; and if he is satisfied that the recent increase compensates adequately for the increase in the cost of living.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Agricultural Workers' Wages.
22.
The fixing of minimum rates of wages for agricultural workers is a matter for the Agricultural Wages Board and is not one in which I have a function.
I am not aware of the precise basis on which the board determines increases in minimum rates but I have no doubt that all relevant factors are taken into account including trends in wages generally and the capacity of agricultural employers to pay. As the Deputy is no doubt aware, a large proportion of employers pay wages at rates higher than the minimum.