asked the Minister for Finance if representations have been made to his Department by the Department of the Minister for Local Government and Public Health and by the Unemployed Workers' Rights Association, that the increased wages granted to workers engaged in the building trade as a result of the building strike of 1937 should be paid retrospectively to workers engaged on work under the various relief schemes in the Dublin area, and what his intentions are regarding these representations.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Relief Workers' Wages.
Representations in regard to the matter referred to in the question have been made to my Department and are being considered.
Has the Minister taken into account that these workers, many of whom are now unemployed, are in desperate need of this money? I am sure he knows that the Dublin Corporation have granted it, subject to the State granting a share. Can the Minister give any indication as to when a decision will be taken?
I am not in a position to say when a decision will be given. There are a number of very important factors to be taken into consideration, in connection with this matter. It introduces an entirely new principle in regard to unemployment schemes in this country.
Could the Minister indicate what the important factors are?
I am not prepared to do that at this stage.
Could the Minister say if one of the important factors is that these people are on the verge of starvation?
The needs of the people are undoubtedly a factor to be taken into consideration.