asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that the contract for painting Arbour Hill Barracks, Dublin, has been given to an English firm; whether or not the contract contains the standard fair wages clause providing that the rate of wages to be paid shall not be lower than that commonly recognised by employers and trade societies in the trade in the district where the work is carried out; if he is aware that over 150 skilled painters are at present unemployed in the Dublin district and that the contractors have employed workmen from England to the exclusion of local tradesmen, and that the rate of wages paid is lower than the recognised rate in the district, and what action he proposes to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Painting of Arbour Hill Barracks.
No contract has been entered into for painting work at Arbour Hill Barracks, Dublin.
No contract has been entered into?
No.
If I could satisfy the Minister that local workmen were refused employment on the grounds that no Irishman would be employed on this job, what steps would he take?
There is no contract.
Is it not a fact that the barracks are being painted?
No.
Have been?
No.
Is there no work of that nature going on?
Not that I know of.
I know there is.
We have given no contract for painting at Arbour Hill.