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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 10 Jun 1947

Vol. 106 No. 12

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Gormanston Camp Employees.

asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that a number of ex-members of the Defence Forces, employed at Gormanston Camp, had their services terminated on the 8th May, 1947; that, subsequently, a company of Construction Corps personnel were employed at the work formerly carried out by the ex-Army men; if, in view of the hardship caused by the disemployment of these men and the difficulty of securing employment in the Balbriggan and Gormanston areas, he is prepared to re-engage these men; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I am aware that nine civilian employees of the Corps of Engineers who were engaged on the re-erection of a hangar at Gormanston Camp had their services terminated on the 8th May, 1947, when it was found necessary to suspend further work owing to a shortage of cement. These men, all ex-service personnel, had been employed on a temporary basis as a result of a shortage in the strength of the 2nd Engineer Field Company.

Members of the Construction Corps were not at any time employed on the work which was being carried out by these men.

It is the intention to re-employ civilian labour when the work in question is recommenced.

asked the Minister for Defence whether he is aware that 12 ex-Army men, with 12 to 14 years' Army experience, were employed at Gormanston Camp, in September last; that the Labour Court, on the 27th January, 1947, recommended increased rates of pay for these workers; that they were dismissed on 8th May, 1947, without receiving this extra pay for the operative period; and if he will investigate the position and see that the men concerned receive the outstanding amounts without delay.

A number of labourers was employed for temporary work in Gormanston Camp. During their period of employment a review of wages applicable to their class of employment with outside employers occurred.

Similar rates for these employees have been approved and arrangements have been made for the payment of the outstanding amounts.

asked the Minister for Defence whether he is aware that the Labour Court, on 27th January, 1947, granted increased rates of pay, effective from 31st January, 1947, to certain workers in Gormanston Camp; that, up to the 11th May, 1947, these increased rates have not been paid to the workers concerned; and if he will state the reasons for the delay and whether these rates have since been paid.

I am aware that building trade operatives in the Drogheda area were granted increased rates of pay with effect from the 31st January, 1947. An application to extend these rates to corresponding workers employed by my Department at Gormanston Camp was favourably considered and on the 16th May the classes of workers concerned were paid the increased rates with effect from the 31st January, 1947.

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