asked the Minister for Finance if he will state the number of men employed to date on the Brosna drainage scheme and the rates of wages paid to gangers and workers; further, whether it is proposed to increase the rates of pay to the workers concerned; and, if so, when the new rates will be announced and put into operation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Brosna Drainage Scheme.
The number of men employed on the Brosna drainage scheme for the week ended the 10th July, 1948, was 183. The rates of wages are:—
|
Gangers |
£5 a week |
|
Labourers |
£3 a week |
The question of increasing the rates has not arisen.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary say if it is proposed at an early date to increase the wages of those workers? Could he say how it is expected that a man in receipt of £3 a week can pay 55/- a week for lodgings in Banagher and exist on what remains, 5/- a week? What steps will the Parliamentary Secretary take to have those rates of wages on the Brosna scheme increased?
The rates of wages paid on the Brosna compare favourably with those paid in the past by Bord na Móna and other organisations working in that area.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the local building rate is 1/8 an hour and does he realise how that compares with the 1/3 which the workers on the Brosna receive? In view of the unfavourable nature of the Parliamentary Secretary's reply, I propose to raise this matter on the adjournment this evening. I represent those people and I suggest they should receive more favourable consideration.