§ Captain REDMONDasked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that 2521W the coast watchers on the South Wexford coast are being paid a lesser wage than ordinary agricultural labourers, though these men do duty in all weathers and during any hour of the day or night; and will he consider granting them a gratuity or bonus for services rendered during the War, having regard to the large amount of property and wreckage safeguarded by them during that period?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe coast watchers in question are being paid at the rate of 25s. 6d. a week, and I am advised that the ordinary agricultural labourer in the district is receiving 25s. a week, except in a few instances, where as much as 28s. a week is being paid. In the circumstances, and as the coast watchers receive monetary rewards from the Board of Trade for salvage of property and wreckage, it is not considered necessary, I am advised, to grant bonus or gratuity to the coast watchers.