asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that in January, 1936, two officers of his Department visited certain establishments of the Irish Sugar Company and inquired from the assistant machine masters what foreigners amongst the tradesmen class could be replaced by Irishmen; whether the officers in question were informed by the Irish assistant machine masters that certain machinists, stokers, semi-skilled fitters and belt-men could be replaced by Irish workmen; whether in fact any steps have been taken in the meantime to withdraw the permits held by these foreign workmen whose services are no longer required, and whether he is aware that the Irish assistant machine masters who furnished to his officers particulars of the kind mentioned were subsequently dismissed from the Irish Sugar Company.
Ceisteanna-Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Sugar Company's Foreign Employees.
Officers of my Department visited the sugar factories in November and January last in discharge of their routine functions in connection with the employment of aliens, and in the course of their investigations they found it necessary to question nationals and aliens of all categories employed in these factories. These officers did not confine the scope of their inquiries as is implied in the Deputy's question. Their conclusions are at present under consideration. Any foreign workmen whose services were no longer required have left the employment of Comhlucht Siúicre Eireann and the permits issued in respect of them have lapsed.
I am aware that the four nationals employed as assistant machine masters were amongst the many employees of Comhlucht Siúicre Eireann who were questioned. I am further aware that two of the persons concerned have since been dismissed. I am informed, however, that there is no connection whatever between their dismissal and the fact that they were so questioned.