asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he is aware that the Kinsale Urban Council fixed the wage for unskilled workers on a housing scheme now being proceeded with at 30/- weekly; whether he is also aware that the local workers' organisation notified the urban council prior to the fixing of the foregoing wage that they had fixed as the local rate 37/6 weekly; that the contractor now declines to pay a higher rate than 30/- weekly, on the grounds that he based his tender on the wage fixed by the urban council; and whether the whole matter will be examined with a view to seeing that the fair wage condition provided for in the Housing Acts will be given effect to in connection with that housing scheme.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kinsale Housing Scheme.
The answers to the first two parts of the question are in the affirmative. The conditions of contract contain a clause binding the contractor to pay rates of wages and observe conditions of contract at least as advantageous to the persons employed under the contract as the appropriate rates and conditions generally recognised by trade unions. I have not received any complaint that the provisions of Section 8 of the Housing (Financial and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1932, are not being complied with in connection with this scheme.
Mr. Murphy
Will the Parliamentary Secretary take this question, which is taken from the newspaper reports, as a complaint in that direction?
I would prefer if the Deputy would take the necessary steps to furnish the complaint in the ordinary way.