asked the Minister for Lands whether, in accordance with the undertaking given in the Dáil on May 14th, 1936, that the question of the revision of wages paid to labourers by the Land Commission on improvement works would be taken up when the Agricultural Wages Board was functioning, he has taken steps to review the wages payable to such labourers, and whether he will indicate the nature of the steps which have been taken in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wages on Improvement Works
Mr. Boland
The wages paid to labourers employed on Land Commission improvement works were reviewed in my Department following the publication of the Agricultural Wages (Minimum Rates) Order, 1937, and were found to be in excess of the minimum rates prescribed in the Order. The rates will be reviewed again in the light of any further Orders which may be made by the board regulating wages rates for the agricultural wages districts prescribed under the Agricultural Wages Act, 1936.
I take it from that answer that there has been no increase as a result of the Agricultural Wages Board's decision?
Mr. Boland
That is so.
Is the Minister aware that the Dublin County Council is paying men for doing similar work £2 8s. per week, and is it not an incitement to riot?
Mr. Boland
The Land Commission wages are related to the agricultural wages in each district. In this case the wages are in excess of the minimum laid down by the Agricultural Wages Board. If a district rate is fixed, the Land Commission will then review its wages in the light of whatever wages may be fixed.
Why does the Minister emphasise the words "in excess of the minimum"? Is that an incitement to bad employers all over the country to reduce the wages previously paid above the minimum?
Mr. Boland
No such thing. Deputy Davin is going out of his way to read that into it. I simply said that the wages were reviewed in the light of the minimum wages fixed and they were bound to be in excess of that minimum. If another wage is fixed for that district, there will be a further review.
If the Government is supposed to be the best employer, why do you base it on the minimum?
Mr. Boland
I am not basing it on the minimum?
You said so in the reply.
Mr. Boland
No such thing.