asked the Minister for Agriculture when he intends to introduce proposals for legislation to amend the Agricultural Workers (Weekly Half-Holidays) Act, 1951, as promised by him on 12th March, 1952.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Agricultural Workers (Weekly Half-Holidays) Act, 1951.
Mr. Walsh
I intend that a Bill of this nature shall be introduced as soon as possible but I cannot at present give any definite date for its introduction.
Is the Minister prepared to tell the House what has prevented him from introducing the Bill long since in view of the statement he made here last March?
Mr. Walsh
There has been no delay. I told the Deputy that we were examining this question. I am still examining it. We will introduce a Bill as soon as it is practicable to do so.
Does the Minister realise that he divided this House in so far as he made a statement that he would introduce it within one month? That was on the 12th March last.
I have a letter from the Minister's constituency, the Rower, County Kilkenny, on this matter, from farm workers there asking when will the farmers know when the half-holiday will become law, because they have stopped it in some parts of the Minister's constituency. They were getting the half-holiday until the Minister came into office.
Mr. Walsh
As soon as possible.
Does the Minister remember the promise he made in March?
Mr. Walsh
It was not practicable to do so. I will introduce the Bill as soon as it is practicable to do so.
It is a long time now since the Minister made the promise.