asked the Taoiseach if he will estimate the cost (a) per week and (b) per year and the total cost to agricultural employers of increasing the existing minimum agricultural wages in each county by 3d. per hour for a 50-hour week on the basis of the number of farm employees in respect of whom employment allowances under the Agricultural Grant were allowed for the year ended 31st March, 1959.
Written Answers. - Agricultural Wages.
96.
On the basis of the number of agricultural employees in respect of whom employment allowances under the Agricultural Grant were allowed for the year ended 31st March, 1959, it is estimated that the additional cost to agricultural employers of increasing the existing minimum agricultural wages in each county by 3d. per hour for a 50-hour week would be £23,850 per week or £1,240,200 per year. The total cost to agricultural employers of paying these increased rates is estimated at £11,275,200 per year.