asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he can state the total number of workers employed on the Shannon scheme in the Limerick district on Tuesday, November 17th, 1925, the numbers in receipt of 50/- and 32/- respectively; also the number of Germans employed on the date mentioned; whether he has made any enquiries as to dissatisfaction amongst workers on account of quality of food supplied, and whether or not, and, if so, how many men were either dismissed or left work for this or any other reason since work commenced.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - WORKERS ENGAGED ON SHANNON SCHEME.
On the 17th November, 517 Irish and 109 German workers were employed, a total of 626. Of the 517 workers, 44 were in receipt of 62/6, 139 of 50/- and 318 of 32/-. The Deputy will be sorry to hear that the number of Irish workers has since risen to 609 and that a total of 718 is now employed.
The Deputy will also be disappointed to learn that I have found no evidence among the workers of dissatisfaction with the food. On the conditions generally I would refer him to Deputy Johnson, who inspected the works on Sunday last, and was, I understand, so well pleased with what he had already seen that he declined a pressing invitation to inspect the food arrangements when he came to the kitchen.
One hundred and fifty-six workers were deprived of employment by strike pickets in the early weeks, eighteen were rejected on medical grounds and five were dismissed as inefficient. I understand that a certain number of others left of their own accord without giving a reason.
The Minister for Sarcasm !
Will the Minister say if he has read, or if his attention has been drawn to the statement made on the following day, Wednesday the 18th, by the Labour Adviser, when he stated that the total number employed on the works on that day was only 350, and has the Minister any observation to make with regard to that?
The only observation I have to make is that if Deputy Davin would examine the Labour Director's figures and see what particular type of workman he is referring to——
I am quoting the statement that the Labour Adviser made, which is as follows, and which has not been contradicted: "This will bring the total number employed on the works up to 350." It has not been contradicted.
I do not intend to contradict that. It is quite true as regards the men employed on a particular portion of the work.