asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that workers employed as pioneers at Columb Barracks, Mullingar, and at other military barracks in Dublin and elsewhere, who are engaged in very disagreeable work, are being paid less than the local builders' labourers' rate of wages, which formerly applied to them; and, if so, whether he will take steps to ensure that they are again paid at the prevailing local rate for builders' labourers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wages of Workers at Military Barracks.
I am aware that employees of my Department engaged as pioneers at various military posts and barracks are paid at a lower rate than builders' labourers. These employees were recruited for the work of keeping barracks and squares generally in a clean and tidy condition. The rate of pay applicable to these employees is the rate payable by the local authority to road labourers in each area, with the exception of Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway where the rate is that paid to employees recruited under the Special Scheme for Old I.R.A. Men. The rate payable in Dublin is at present under review. The nature of the work on which these employees are engaged would not justify payment at the local rate for builders' labourers.
Would the Minister be prepared to agree to pay them the rate for the most unskilled men in the areas referred to?
It is indicated in the reply that the work on which they are engaged is very definitely unskilled work. I think it would be unwise to change, even if higher rates are in force, as it would possibly result in disemployment.
Would the Minister agree that apart from the builders' labourers, their wages should be related at least to the unskilled workers in the area?
I have nothing to add to the answer already given.
Can the Minister say if there are many such employees?
Will the Minister agree that the same class of work is done by the sweepers in the Cork Corporation.
I would not agree to that.
Is it correct that formerly these men were paid on the builders' labourers' rate in Dublin and is there any explanation why that rate was taken away when they were employed on the basis of old I.R.A. service?
At the moment, I am not aware as to when the rates were changed, but I will look it up and tell the Deputy.
I take it that the Minister is prepared, where the rate of unskilled workers can be given to them, to give it to them.
Do not trip me up now.
I gather from the Minister that the rates payable in Dublin are to be reviewed.
They are under review.
Might I ask the Minister if the rates payable in the Curragh will be reviewed and also those in other centres?
I am not in a position to answer that.
Cannot all this matter be debated on the Minister's Estimate this evening?