asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that at the commencement of the emergency certain road gangers in County Kerry were detailed from their normal duties and assigned by the county surveyor to work in connection with turf production; that with the cessation of the hand-won turf scheme these men are no longer required for these duties but the county surveyor has refused to restore them to their original status and duties and if, in the circumstances, he will have this matter investigated with a view to remedying any injustice done to them.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Kerry Gangers' Position.
The matter to which the Deputy refers is one for the local authority. I have made inquiries and I understand that in some cases former supervisory road workers who were engaged on turf work during the emergency have resumed work in their former capacity. If the Deputy will give me particulars of the men to whom he refers I shall have further inquiries made in the matter.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that under the Local Government Superannuation Act, 1948, Section 5, these men are classed as permanent employees, and that the county surveyor is not legally entitled to dispense with their services? In view of that fact, will he take steps to direct the county surveyor to reinstate these gangers at the work which they carried on as road stewards for a number of years?
I am aware of the position as the Deputy has described it. I realise that these men were semi-permanent in their employment, and I can assure the Deputy that, if he gives me particulars of these cases, after the necessary investigation has been completed the Department will take whatever action it considers necessary.