asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware that forestry workers employed by his Department on the Ashford estate, Cong, are paid only £3 12s. per week while similar workers employed on the Moorhall estate, then miles away, are paid £4 per week; and, if so, whether he will ensure that the rates of wages to the workers on the Ashford estate are increased to £4 per week forthwith.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Forestry Workers' Wages—Ashford Estate.
Under a general arrangement introduced in April, 1950, forestry workers are paid the same wage rates as are paid to road workers employed by the county councils.
Ashford estate is attached to Cong forest, the greater portion of which lies in County Galway. The workers are paid the Galway rate.
Moorhall estate is attached to Lough Carra forest which lies in County Mayo. The workers are paid the Mayo rate.
While it is perfectly true that portion of Cong forest is in Galway, just as a portion is in Mayo, would it not be more equitable and possibly help to remove a lot of the discontent which exists there if wages were brought up to the Mayo level? I think the Minister will agree that, bad and all as the position of the Exchequer is, it would not break it considering the number of workers employed there if the Minister were to accede to this very reasonable demand.
I am adhering to the rule.
Made by me, of course.
Laid down and carried out by my predecessor. I regret that during his period of office he was unable to alter it to his satisfaction, even for workers in his own constituency. I am in the position that I must give the same treatment to forestry workers throughout the country. If there is a change, and the Minister for Finance is able to place the necessary funds at my disposal, and the circumstances permit, the matter can be rectified.