asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state (1) the number of men employed in each of the months of May, June, July, August, September, 1943, on turf production work in County Mayo; (2) the average weekly earnings, including bonus, of these employees; (3) the total amount paid in wages for turf production in County Mayo in 1943; and (4) the total amount paid by Mayo County Council and Fuel Importers, Limited, for turf produced in County Mayo during the same period.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Mayo Turf Production.
The only figures available in the Department relate to the direct production scheme carried out by the Mayo County Council in 1943.
These figures are as follows:—
(1) The number of men employed in County Mayo in June, 1943, was 1,884 (including 83 on bog development); in July, 1943, 1914 (including 78 on bog development): in August, 1943, 1,155 (including 207 on bog development); in September, 1943, 921 (including 94 on bog development).
(2) Average rates are as follows:— Piece Rates—Slanesmen, 75/-, other male adult workers, 60/-. A small number of workers was also engaged on weekly wages. The approved rates for a 48-hour week for such workers were from 35/- to 38/- per week.
(3) The total amount paid in wages for turf production under the direct scheme, in 1943, was £59,318. This figure does not include expenditure on delivery on the bog side and haulage to destination.
(4) The amounts paid were:—By Mayo County Council, £8,464; by Fuel Importers, Limited, £108,905. The latter amount includes some payments in respect of 1941 and 1942 turf.