andDavin asked the Minister for Finance whether he has yet sanctioned a wage increase for workers on the Brosna drainage scheme; and, if so, by what amount.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Brosna Drainage Workers' Wages.
Messrs. O'Higgins, O. Flanagan
asked the Minister for Finance if he will have increased rates of pay paid to labourers, and all other grades of workers employed on the Brosna drainage scheme, and similar drainage schemes, in view of the rise in the cost of living which makes it necessary for them to seek better pay.
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 41 and 42 together.
The wages of all adult workers employed by the Commissioners of Public Works on arterial drainage schemes were recently increased by at least 2d. an hour, with retrospective effect from 4th June, 1951.
What is the date of the alleged recent increase?
It was made quite recently, anyway.
What is the date?
If the Deputy puts down a question I will give the answer.
Why do you refer to it as recent?
In view of the continued recent increases in the cost of living, does the Parliamentary Secretary not consider that the wages of those workers should be increased in order to meet that? Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the 2d. an hour which was allocated as an increase to those workers some time last May is an increase which the workers now find useless owing to the increase in the cost of living? Will he consider having a further increase granted?
I understand that the increases given relate fairly well to the increases in the road workers' wages in the respective counties where arterial drainage schemes are being carried out.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that in Offaly we have practically the lowest county council rate of pay of any county in the 26?
That matter is not relevant.