asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state if any arrangements have been made by his Department with the British authorities concerning the employment of Irish workers in British coal mines; if he is satisfied that such workers are employed under decent conditions; and if he has received any complaints in this connection.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Workers in Britain.
The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The question of refusal or acceptance of employment outside the State is one for decision by the worker himself. The function of my Department in the matter is confined to ensuring that persons who, of their own free will desire to leave the country for employment, are free from the restrictions in force for the time being, for the control of emigration. I have received no complaints as to the conditions of their employment from Irish workers who have taken up work in British coal mines.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that English colliery companies are advertising for Irish miners and holding out to them the inducement of the payment of higher wages than they are receiving here; and if, in view of the gravity of our coal supply position, he intends to take any action to prevent trained and experienced Irish miners from leaving the country for employment in the mines of Great Britain.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that Irish miners, recently working in Irish coal mines, have been recruited to the British army; and if, in view of the fact that the loss of one Irish miner involves the loss of 300 tons of coal a year, he will take steps to prevent our miners leaving the country.
I propose to reply to Questions Nos. 37 and 38 together.
I am not aware that Irish miners recently working in Irish coal mines have been recruited to the British army, nor have advertisements of English collieries for Irish miners come to my notice. I would remind the Deputy, however, that with the removal of the newspaper censorship some months ago I have no power to prohibit such advertisements.
Under the existing control of emigration facilities may not be granted to men in employment or for whom work is available, and these restrictions apply to men in mining areas who have mining skill or experience.