asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the number of workers residing in County Dublin who are employed by Aer Lingus and Aer Rianta at Collinstown, County Dublin; further, if he will state (a) the number of workers laid off since January, 1948, specifying the different categories; (b) how many officials are engaged upon the supervision of the field workers; and (c) how many there are employed in the latter category.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Airport Employees.
It has not been found possible in the time available to ascertain the number of workers residing in County Dublin who are employed by Aer Lingus and Aer Rianta at Collinstown. I hope to have the information in a week and would suggest that the Deputy should then repeat this part of the question.
The other figures requested are: (a) Number of workers at Dublin Airport laid off by Aer Lingus and Aer Rianta since 1st January, 1948:—
Aer Lingus.
|
Manipulative |
244 |
|
Clerical |
14 |
|
Pilots |
1 |
|
Total |
259 |
Aer Rianta.
|
Clerical |
1 |
|
Canteen |
4 |
|
Chefs |
1 |
|
Tarmac Marshals |
2 |
|
Manipulative |
2 |
|
Total |
10 |
(b) One assistant foreman is engaged on the supervision of the field workers; (c) the number of field workers employed is ten.
Will the Minister investigate the numerous complaints made to the effect that in these dismissals discrimination is being exercised against men with long service and preference is given to men with shorter service?
That matter is under consideration.
Is the Minister aware that there are a further 60 individuals under notice to go, and will he make arrangements so that these people will get alternative employment?
I will give the Deputy an assurance that we will not have a total of 68,000 unemployed after 16 years.
Is it not high time that the Minister defended himself on his own merits?
It took the Minister only six months practically to close down Collinstown.
We have done more for the workers and the poor of this country in three months than Fianna Fáil did for them in 16 years.
You have practically closed down Collinstown, at any rate.