asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether his attention was directed to the dismissal by a company of a traveller transferred to their employment from a tannery company; whether he is aware that it is being an established practice for firms of this kind in the enjoyment of a monopoly to dispense with the services of travellers; and whether, in view of the number of men with long service in this branch of employment whose livelihood is threatened, he is in a position to indicate if measures will be taken to prevent the general dismissal of commercial travellers by firms enjoying monopoly conditions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dismissal of Traveller.
I have received representations from the Irish Commercial Travellers' Federation in the matter referred to in the first part of the Deputy's question. The answer to the second part of the Deputy's question is in the negative. With regard to the third part of the question, I do not consider that it is possible for me to take action to ensure the employment of commercial travellers by firms which do not consider that the services of such employees are essential to the conduct of their businesses.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, I want to ask if I am to understand the Minister as saying that he has no authority as regards the number of people to be employed in these industries where monopolies have been granted by his Department?
In the case of firms operating under licence, given under the Control of Manufactures Act or under any statute of the Oireachtas, there is a certain power of control over employment. But these circumstances do not exist in regard to the firm mentioned in the Deputy's question.