asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware that forestry workers in North Tipperary are paid at the rate of 57/4 weekly while similar workers in Wicklow are paid 65/- per week; and, if so, whether he will take steps to increase the wages of the workers in North Tipperary to the rate paid in Wicklow.

The Deputy's information is not quite correct. Forestry labourers are paid the same wages for a 48-hour week as are payable to agricultural workers for a 50-hour week under the Agricultural Wages Act. For the purpose of fixing wages under that Act, the country is divided into four area groupings and forestry labourers are paid at the rate applicable to the area group in which they are employed. I have nothing to do with these groupings.

Will the Minister say if that has general application—that the agricultural rate of wages operates in respect of forestry workers over the country?

Yes.

The Minister is misinformed.

I do not think so.

I am certain of it.