asked the Minister for Lands whether men employed at forestry work at Kinnity, Offaly, have been paid at the rate of 22/- per week, and, if so, if he will state how this figure was arrived at or fixed; whether men employed at the same kind of work in adjoining areas in the same constituency are paid at the rate of 28/- per week; whether he will issue immediate instructions for the men concerned to be paid at the rate of 28/- per week and also for payment of any arrears due to any of the men who were paid at any lower rate since the commencement of work in this area.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Forestry Work—Payment Rates.
The Deputy is correct in stating that the rate of wages paid at Kinnitty Forest, Offaly, is 22/-, and that the rate of wages paid at Mountrath Forest, Leix, a few miles distant, is 28/-. This is, however, explained by the fact that the rate for Mountrath was fixed some years ago when the rate of wages for agricultural labourers, to which the matter is related, was higher than at present, but the rate for Mountrath Forestry workers has not been reduced. The lands at Kinnitty have only recently been acquired, and, accordingly, the rate fixed has relation to the existing rate of wages paid in the district to agricultural labourers. The question of a revision of the rates of wages paid to labourers generally is under consideration at present, but until the review of the whole position is completed it is not possible to state what alterations will be made.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary quote any other case in any of the midland counties where the rate at present paid is as low as in this case?
No, I do not think there is any.
Am I to understand that this is an authorised rate and that it is intended to continue to pay this rate?
I have already told the Deputy that the whole matter is under review.
What is going to be the position of the men concerned, if the rate eventually fixed is 28/- per week?
That is a hypothetical question.
It is not; it would be very pertinent if you were working on the job.