asked the Minister for Labour if he is aware that an employer (name supplied) proposes to employ a Belgian national as a trainee farm manager at a wage of £10 per week; and if he considers (a) that this is a fair wage and (b) that this is the type of arrangement which can be expected if this country enters the EEC.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Employment of Farm Manager.
26.
An application for a permit to employ the alien concerned has been received in my Department. Inquiries in the matter are not yet completed. On the basis of the information available to me the answer to parts (a) and (b) of the Deputy's Question is no.
Would the Minister not agree that if a farmer notifies the alien section that he wants to employ a Belgian national as a farm manager at £10 per week without specifying whether he is indoor or outdoor or the number of hours he will be expected to work, does it not appear as if he is trying to beat entry into the Common Market by employing cheap continental labour here?
One part of the Deputy's question I certainly would not agree with. Any such labour on the Continent would be much more than £10 a week.
They are better paid than in this country.
That is what I am saying——
Would the Minister not be a bit suspicious that this is so.
——they are better paid than in this country. This case is under consideration at the moment and I do not want to say anything to prejudice the decision but the same criteria that are applied in all cases where a non-national is seeking a permit will be applied here.
Surely it is unfair to ask the trade union to find out whether or not there are people in that area who would work at that job for that money? I am quite sure nobody is going to work as a trainee farm manager for £10 a week.
The minimum wage laid down for a trainee in these circumstances is £16.30.
That is right.
Could this not be a way for a foreigner to qualify for the purchase of Irish land?
Foreigners can buy any land they like.
Has the Minister's Department refused to employ an alien?
It would not be fair to anticipate a decision.