Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 17 Jul 1941

Vol. 84 No. 14

Committee on Finance. - Vote 58—Marine Service.

Mr. MacEntee

I move:—

Go ndeontar suim ná raghaidh thar £11,938 chun slánuithe na suime is gá chun íoctha an Mhuirir a thiocfaidh chun bheith iníoctha i rith na bliana dar críoch an 31adh lá de Mhárta, 1942, chun Tuarastail agus Costaisí na Muir-Sheirbhíse (Achtanna Loingis Cheannaíochta, 1894 go 1939, agus an tAcht Imeall Trágha, 1933 (Uimh. 12 de 1933)); chun íocaíocht áirithe Cúithimh, ar a n-áirmhítear págh breise do Mhairnéalaigh agus costas cóireála leighis; agus chun Deontaisí chun Fearas Cosanta áirithe do Longa do chur ar fáil.

That a sum, not exceeding £11,938, be granted to complete the sum necessary to defray the Charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending the 31st day of March, 1942, for the Salaries and Expenses of the Marine Service (Merchant Shipping Acts, 1894 to 1939, and the Foreshore Act, 1933 (No. 12 of 1933); for certain payments of Compensation, including extra wages of seamen and the cost of medical treatment; and for Grants in respect of the provision of certain Protective Equipment for Ships.

Mr. Byrne

I desire to know whether there is any item in this Vote to deal with the pilotage service. I understand that some of these men are on the border of starvation since ships ceased coming to this country. The pilots who were engaged on that good work are now left without fees or means of support.

Mr. MacEntee

There is nothing in this Vote to cover pilotage services. In connection with the general working of my Department we have had some representations during the past few months to permit an increase of pilotage fees, and to permit certain fees to be accumulated and used for the purpose of relieving those suffering through the emergency, but there is nothing in this Vote dealing with that matter.

Mr. Byrne

Do I understand that these men will get relief of some kind?

Mr. MacEntee

In so far as we have statutory powers, yes; otherwise, no.

Mr. Byrne

Could the Minister not try to obtain powers during the emergency to deal with men engaged in the pilotage service who are not now earning anything?

Mr. MacEntee

In so far as persons are unemployed we have the Unemployment Insurance Act and the Unemployment Assistance Acts to deal with them. In so far as there might be special funds which could be utilised to meet hardship arising out of the emergency we have been prepared to consider a relaxation of the governing regulations to enable that to be done. So far as there are no special funds, then those who find themselves adversely affected by the present situation must have recourse to the ordinary machinery of the State the same as every other citizen.

Mr. Byrne

The Minister may not be aware that in the pilotage service, in some cases, the men are not insured and are not entitled to unemployment benefit. They are dependent on their earnings from ships and ships are not coming here now owing to the war. In the meantime, it is hoped that the Government may be able to grant some assistance.

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy has got a good innings.

Mr. Byrne

Thanks.

Vote put and agreed to.