asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that the workers employed in the Bourn Vincent Memorial Park, Killarney, have submitted a claim for a weekly half-holiday with pay, and, if so, whether he is in a position to say whether or not this application will be granted.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bourn Vincent Memorial Park.
Mr. Flynn
An application for a weekly half-holiday with pay has been submitted on behalf of certain workers employed at the Bourn Vincent Memorial Park. The workers concerned are paid on the basis of awards made by the Agricultural Wages Board and the grant of a weekly half-holiday is part of a general question in respect of which I am not prepared to anticipate a decision.
I am informed that there are approximately 40 men employed on the estate and, simply because they are classed as agricultural workers, this half-day is denied to them. In fact, there are only six directly concerned with agriculture on that estate. I submit to the Parliamentary Secretary that it would be a matter of adjustment on the part of his office to grant this half-day to them and do justice to them. They have been hammering for this half-day for two years and I respectfully ask the Parliamentary Secretary to have the case fairly considered.
The Deputy is well aware that the Agricultural Wages Board deals with those people. I am quite certain he would not ask me to interfere.
What is the Parliamentary Secretary's personal opinion in regard to this matter?
Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries are asked questions on matters of fact.