asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he can state the number of men employed on hand-won turf production in the Urlingford area during the 1947-48 season and the number who have since been disemployed, and whether any steps are being taken to provide them with alternative employment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Employment of Turf Workers.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the tonnage of hand-won turf produced and the amount paid to turf producers in wages or otherwise in the Urlingford area during the 1947-48 season.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 37 and 38 together. The tonnage of hand-won turf produced in the Urlingford area during the 1947 season by the county councils concerned was 8,240 tons. The amount of wages paid by county councils in respect of that production was £22,393. The corresponding figures for production by private interests are not known.
The number of men employed in the production of hand-won turf in the area during the 1947 season, by the county councils concerned, was on the average 253. The maximum number employed was 437. The corresponding number of men employed in the production of hand-won turf by private interests in the same area, and during the same season, is not known. The maximum number of men who will be employed by Bord na Móna on semi-automatic turf production in the area referred to in the current season is estimated at 60. Arrangements are being made to give alternative employment, to the maximum extent possible, to the disemployed workers.
Can the Minister state what is the nature of the employment which it is proposed to give them?
That has already been announced and particulars were sent to county councils throughout the country.
I know that a general circular has been sent, but I would like to know whether any definite scheme is in contemplation for these areas?
Certainly.
What is it?
The county councils and county surveyors have been notified.