asked the Minister for Labour if he will state the average take home pay, net of tax, the value of fringe benefits as a percentage of take home pay and the average number of hours worked per week for the EEC countries, Britain and Ireland, for bricklayers, builders labourers, cabinet makers, carpenters, joiners, electricians, plumbers, upholsterers, shoe operatives, hosiery manufacturers, woollen manufacturers and other grades of textile worker at the latest date for which comparative figures are available; if there has been a tendency within the EEC since its formation towards the approximation of wages in member states; and if Irish wages are likely to rise or fall in each of these occupations as a result of EEC membership.
Written Answer. - Employment Statistics.
167.
I have not got statistics in the precise form requested by the Deputy. I would, however, refer him to the following publications which are available in the Library:—Year Book of Labour Statistics, 1971, published by the International Labour Office; and Bulletin of Labour Statistics, 1971, 2nd Quarter, published by the International Labour Office.
Regarding the second part of the Deputy's question, the gaps which existed between wage levels in the EEC member states on the establishment of the Communities have been progressively narrowed and there has also been a general upward movement of wages, which in the 12 years ended 1970 ranged from 54 per cent to 95 per cent.
As regards the third part of the Deputy's question, the expectation is that the rising trend of living standards as well as the upward movement in wages will continue in the enlarged Community.
The Dáil adjourned at 5 p.m. until 3 p.m. on Tuesday 29th February, 1972.