asked the Minister for Finance if he will state the rates of wages paid to men employed on minor schemes in County Kerry; if he will state, in particular, the wages paid to the men employed widening and deepening the stream at Schrahanfadda, Gneeveguilla; whether they have been provided with Wellingtons or other protection, and how their wages compare with the rates paid by Kerry County Council for the same kind of work.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Kerry Minor Schemes.
The rate of wages paid on minor employment schemes and on bog development schemes which are intended to facilitate the increased production of turf by private consumers is 5/4 per day for all parts of the country; this rate of wages is being paid to the workmen at present engaged widening and deepening a stream at Schrahanfadda, County Kerry. A free grant was sanctioned for this work to assist in draining a bog on which turf is cut by a large number of landholders. Rubber boots, which are at present in very short supply; have not been provided for the workers on this scheme.
The rate of wages paid by the Kerry County Council on bog development works to facilitate production of turf for Government purposes and for the county services is 38/- per week.