asked the Minister for Defence if he will state the method employed in the recruitment of labour by his Department at Bere Island, whether the men employed at Bere Island are recruited through the labour exchange, and the total number employed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Employment at Bere Island.
Because of the special care which must be taken in the selection of civilians for employment at military posts, arrangements for the appointment of suitable and reliable tradesmen and labourers are made by the Department of Defence. A condition of the recruitment is that applicants should be registered for employment at the employment exchange. The total numbel of civilian tradeamen and labourers employed at Bere Island is 33.
Is the Minister aware that allegations have been made that recruitment is controlled very largely by a local branch of a political organisation? Is there any truth in that statement or will the Minister investigate it?
I am not aware of that. I am aware of the fact that the Department of Defence employs these people from lists that it has.
If I send the Minister specific charges in connection with it will he investigate them?
If there are any specific charges I will investigate them.