asked the Taoiseach if he will state (a) the rate of wages now required to equal the value of the minimum adult rate in each area prescribed by the Agricultural Wages Board with effect from the 28th May, 1956, and (b) the revised adult rates in each area.

The best available indicator of the general purchasing power of money in this connection is the Consumer Price Index. Between mid-May, 1956, and mid-November, 1958 (the latest date for which figures are available) this index (base mid-August, 1947=100) increased by 9.0 per cent. The following statement shows (a) the weekly amounts (to the nearest penny) which represent 109.0 per cent. of each of the minimum weekly rates specified for adults in the Agricultural Wages (Minimum Rates) Order, 1956, and (b) the minimum weekly rates specified for adults in the Agricultural Wages (Minimum Rates) Order, 1959.