asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he is aware that the Mayo County Commissioners on the 30th July last made an order to the effect that every ganger or engine driver engaged on road work should forthwith provide himself with references from the two Commissioners residing nearest to his place of work; whether he will state the number of (1) gangers and (2) engine drivers whose employment has been discontinued by reason of the fact that these Commissioners withheld the necessary references; whether he proposes to hold an inquiry into the matter or what other steps he proposes to take.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Employment on Road Work in Mayo.
I am aware that the Mayo County Commissioners have made an order in the terms cited by the Deputy. I have no information as to the number of persons affected by the order. Pending any evidence of disorganisation of public works arising out of the order, I was inclined to regard the matter as being one within the discretion of the local authority. My Department has, however, quite recently received a report on the matter from the county surveyor and the Commissioners have been asked for their observations thereon. On receipt of the Commissioners' observations I shall have the necessity for further action investigated.
Is the Minister aware that the very fact of that Resolution being passed by the County Commissioners has caused great abuse all over the country especially in the matter of the relief schemes; also, that it has caused corruption, bribery and intimidation and does he know, if every Council in Ireland were in such a state as the Mayo County Commissioners are now, that it would be time to dissolve them? I would ask the Minister to consider seriously the desirability of dissolving the Mayo County Commissioners though they are not long in office.
I am not aware that the statements made by the Deputy are correct but if the Deputy has any evidence or information in that matter and will give it to me I will have it carefully considered.
Is the Minister aware that at last Saturday's meeting of the County Commissioners a demand was made for a Sworn Inquiry and will the Minister state whether he has had a report from the County Surveyor that he is not getting value for the money expended on these schemes and that he has no control over the workmen who were appointed by an outside organisation; that he has no say in the matter of the appointment as to their fitness for the work; that he has no control over the gangers or over the men themselves, and is he aware that where men have left work at 4 o'clock in the evening they have been marked up for a full day?
I am not aware of that but I am aware that a report has come from the County Surveyor in the last few days and that these reports are being examined.