asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that the Emergency Powers Order prohibiting the emigration of men with experience as agricultural workers or as turf workers from County Mayo is causing genuine hardship and disappointment, particularly to parents, who are forced to look to their sons emigrating when of age; if he will state why the emigration of such workers has been completely stopped in County Mayo while being permitted elsewhere; if he is aware that the wages offered at home to agricultural workers and to turf workers are inadequate to enable them to contribute to the upkeep of their homes, and whether, in the circumstances, he intends to review or modify the Order.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Emigration of Agricultural Workers.
I am not aware that the restriction on the emigration of experienced agricultural or turf workers from the rural areas of County Mayo is causing hardship or that the wages offered at home to agricultural and turf workers are inadequate to enable them to contribute to the upkeep of their homes. The restriction on emigration of such workers from County Mayo, as from other areas in which a similar restriction applies, is in the interests of agricultural and fuel production to meet the needs of this country. It does not apply to migratory workers who have habitually gone to seasonal agricultural employment in Great Britain or to young members of their families accompanying them to such employment.
Is the Minister aware that each year a number of young men on reaching the age of 18 years would ordinarily qualify for emigration? Is he aware that the parents of these young men look forward to the help from them for which they have been so long waiting? Most of these young men on reaching the age of 18 years now have to remain at home and if so, what prospect of employment has the Minister to offer them?
There is adequate employment for all persons skilled in turf production offered by the Turf Development Board in County Kildare.
Is the Minister aware that his restrictions on emigration will debar many families from enjoying a decent livelihood as the wages given to turf workers and agricultural workers would not be sufficient to allow these workers to allocate a certain sum out of their wages to help their parents and families at home?
I am not so aware. I think the facts are quite the reverse.