asked the Minister for Supplies if any complaints have been brought to his notice with regard to the living conditions of employees of the Turf Development Board residing in the board's camps in Leix and Offaly; that men have not been provided with changes of bed clothes over a period of months; and further, that the camp regulations designed to secure and maintain cleanliness in the camps are not enforced and consequently conditions there are not such as to safeguard the cleanliness, health and comfort of the workers; and, if so, what action he is taking in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Conditions in Turf Camps.
I have received no complaints of the nature referred to in the question. The turf camps operated by the Turf Development Board, Ltd., are situated in Counties Kildare, Offaly and Wicklow. There are no such camps in Leix. The matters referred to in the question are the responsibility of the Turf Development Board, but I am satisfied from enquiries I have made that as a result of the regulations and inspections in force at the camps, the cleanliness, health and comfort of the workers are of a high standard. The services of a full-time medical officer are available and trained medical orderlies are employed at each camp. Blankets are fumigated once in each month.
Regular inspections are carried out by the medical officer and by the chief camp superintendent of the quality of the food, and of the cleanliness of the kitchens and the kitchen staffs. Beds are examined daily by the camp staffs. New recruits are medically examined before being admitted to the camps and are given newly-fumigated blankets and beds.
Any information in the Deputy's possession which would be of assistance to the board in maintaining the standards of health, comfort and cleanliness in the camps would be welcomed by the Turf Development Board.
I am not suggesting that the regulations framed by the board are not satisfactory, but according to complaints I received they are not being enforced. I am glad of the Minister's statement that he would welcome any complaints so that they may be investigated.