Vol. 275 No. 9
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if, in view of the difficulties being experienced by the agriculture industry, he will examine the adverse effects on the incomes and livelihood of farm labourers; and if he will divert part of the revenue from the green £ and other EEC agricultural returns to improve their living standards.
229
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will carry out an investigation into the incomes and working conditions of farm labourers and the category of workers described as "relatives assisting" with a view to bringing about an immediate improvement in rates of pay, conditions and hours of work.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Question Nos. 228 and 229 together.
The Agricultural Wages Board, which are an autonomous body, fix minimum rates of wages for agricultural employees. These minimum rates, which have increased by over 100 per cent since 1970, are fixed under orders made from time to time by the board as they think proper after consideration of all relevant factors. As the Deputy is no doubt aware, actual rates paid are in many instances in excess of the minimum rates and may vary from farm to farm and district to district. Weekly hours of work for farm workers are a matter for negotiation between them and their employers and the board's minimum wage rates are related to such hours as they find actually operate in contracts generally between employers and workers. The board do not have power to prescribe conditions of employment other than minimum rates of wages and holiday remuneration but the question of extending their powers in this respect is at present under consideration in consultation with the various bodies concerned.
Family farm income includes the income of family members and other relatives assisting on the farm. It has increased very substantially in recent years and the resultant prosperity is being shared by all.
