asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that a large number of men who had given from 10 to 25 years' service as gangers under the Congested Districts Board have recently been thrown out of employment as a result of the stoppages of improvement works consequent on the dissolution of that Board, and whether the Minister can hold out any hope to these men that they will be employed in similar work by the Land Commission in connection with the Land Act operations?
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - RE-EMPLOYMENT OF C.D. BOARD GANGERS.
The employment of a number of men who had acted as gangers for the late Congested Districts Board has ceased, as the funds available for the work on which they were engaged have been expended or the work has been suspended until the Land Commission has had an opportunity of considering whether it should be continued. In employing men on improvement works the Land Commission will give every consideration to the claims of men who have had experience under the (late) Congested Districts Board.
Mr. O'CONNELL
Can the Minister say how soon is it likely these improvement works will be taken up again?
Mr. HOGAN
I am unable to say that at the moment. If the Deputy will put down a question at a later date, I will be able to give him further information.