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.
Written Answers. - Agricultural Wages.
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.
(a) |
(b) |
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Area and Age Group |
Statutory minimum wage rates for adults adjusted in proportion to the change in the Consumer Price Index between mid-May 1956 and mid-November 1958 |
Statutory minimum wage rates specified for adults in the Agricultural Wages (Minimum Rates) Order 1959 |
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Males |
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s. |
d. |
s. |
d. |
|
In Group A areas: |
||||
Aged 20 years and over |
115 |
6 |
112 |
0 |
In Group B areas: |
||||
Aged 20 years and over |
108 |
11 |
106 |
0 |
In Group C areas: |
||||
Aged 20 years and over |
103 |
6 |
101 |
0 |
Females |
||||
In Dublin County Borough and County Dublin: |
s. |
d. |
s. |
d. |
Aged 19 years and over |
74 |
1 |
72 |
0 |
In County Kildare: |
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Aged 19 years and over |
65 |
4 |
64 |
0 |