asked the Minister for Lands whether it is his intention to provide increased wages for forestry workers; and whether, in considering the matter, he will have regard to the experience and skill in relation to afforestation acquired by these men over a long period of years.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Forestry Workers' Wages.
Mr. Corish
Mr. Boland
The wages of forestry labourers, to whom it is presumed the Deputy refers, are related to the rates of wages payable to other classes of labourers in Government employment, and may not be altered at the sole discretion of my Department. It is customary to review their rates of wages in the light of the variations in the minimum rates payable to agricultural labourers under orders promulgated from time to time by the Agricultural Wages Board. The rates were last reviewed on the 7th February, 1944, following the Agricultural Wages (Minimum Rates) Order, 1944, and an increase of 4/- a week was then granted to forestry labourers. The minimum rate at present paid to forestry labourers is 39/- a week.
Provision already exists in my Department, under the system of remuneration, for the recognition of special skill and experience on the part of forestry labourers. A differential of 2/- a week over and above the normal rate of wages is paid to selected skilled labourers of long service and experience.
Does the Minister suggest that 29/- a week is a living wage? Will he use his influence with the Minister for Agriculture to get the rates of agricultural labourers favourably reviewed immediately so as to give them a living wage?
Mr. Boland
I shall draw the Minister's attention to the Deputy's remarks.