asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he has received a memorial from a number of carters in the Edenderry area (Offaly) in which it is alleged that some of the carters working on the same job are paid at the rate of 8/- per day and others at piece-work rates, and that other carters are employed on other jobs in the same area at 7/- per day; if he will explain the reasons for the introduction of piece-work rates and the difference in the daily rates, and state what action, if any, he has taken or proposes to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Carters' Rates of Wages.
The memorial referred to was received on the 20th instant and was referred to the local authority. I do not see that I have any functions in the matter.
If it is made clear to the Minister, as a result of inquiry by the Department, that the effect of the introduction of piece-work rates of wages in the area for carters is such as to require carters to work for a rate of wages which is 50 or 60 per cent. of the normal rate, will he intervene in the matter?
The question of the wages to be paid is a matter for the local authority.
Does the Minister not consider that he has any function in a matter where, as a result of the introduction of a piece-rate scheme of work for carters, the wages of carters are halved? That is my information as to what is happening in that area.
I could take the matter up with the local authority, but it is a matter for them and not for my Department.
But if it is clear to the Minister's Department that something is happening there which is unfair in the matter of remuneration, will the Minister use his good offices to adjust the position?
I will certainly use my good offices, but I have often said here before, and I should like to repeat now, that I dislike interfering with the jurisdiction of local authorities. I should like to leave the local authorities free to do their business, and where they do not do it to the satisfaction of those primarily concerned, there is the remedy of bringing the matter to the notice of their elected representatives. In the case of Laoighis, as it happens, there is no elected body there, and, for that reason, I would be prepared to use my good offices in that case, but, generally, I would leave it to the local authorities to settle grievances between them and their employees.
The Minister understands that there is no possibility of doing that in this instance because of the electoral position. I hope, therefore, that he will examine this matter personally. Any intervention by him would be in the interests of the workers concerned, whereas, if the local authority is allowed to run its own course, the carters will be paid half the normal rate of wages.
That is not an argument I should like to hear very often from the Labour Benches. Local authorities have a certain jurisdiction and a certain responsibility, and surely the Deputy does not suggest that the Ministry is to step in every time and take all power out of the hands of local authorities?
The Minister will appreciate——
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