asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that agricultural employers are not required to keep records of wages paid to agricultural workers, and that other employers, who employ workers whose wages are regulated by statutory Orders, are required to keep such records, for a period of three years; and, if so, whether, in order that arrears of wages due to agricultural workers may be more easily recovered, he will take such steps as are necessary to compel agricultural employers to keep such records.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Agricultural Wages Records.
I am advised that under existing legislation I have no power to compel agricultural employers to keep records of payments of wages to agricultural workers.
Is the Minister aware that under the Emergency Powers Order the Minister has such authority?
Under what?
Under the Emergency Order.
I shall certainly have the Deputy's view further examined but my present advice is that I have not.
The Minister is wrong.