asked the Taoiseach if he will state the estimated cost of increasing the minimum wages of farm workers in the Dublin area to £7 9s., in Meath, Kildare, and Wicklow to £7 4s. (in each case), and in each of the remaining counties to £7 2s., on the basis of the number of agricultural employees in respect of whom employment allowances were granted under the Agricultural Grant for the year ended 31st March, 1959, and the total cost.
Written Answers. - Minimum Wages of Farm Workers.
95.
On the assumption that the minimum weekly wage rates of all agricultural employees, whether adult (20 years and over) or juvenile, were to be increased by the amount necessary to bring the present minimum weekly rates for male workers 20 years and over up to the rates specified in the question for the various counties, it is estimated that an additional annual cost of £3,961,000 would be involved. This estimate is based on the number of agricultural employees in respect of whom employment allowances were granted under the Agricultural Grant for the year ended 31st March, 1959. The total cost of paying these increased rates is estimated at £13,996,000 per year.