asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state (1) the number of Desmishoke machines operating on turf production in the Killarney district; (2) the cost per ton of production under the machine-won turf scheme; (3) the number of staff employed in the Killarney district and the total weekly cost of that staff; and (4) whether the rules which govern the consideration of discharge of employees by the board as laid down by the Minister have been adhered to in all cases.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Machine-Won Turf Scheme.
The number of Desmishoke machines operating on turf production in the Killarney district is 33. The actual cost per ton of production cannot be given at this stage as the cutting season has not yet terminated and the quantity cut is a determining factor in the final costing. The number of staff at present employed on the bogs where the Desmishoke machines are operating is 222 and the total weekly cost is £767. The procedure which has been settled for the discharge of workers falls to be applied by the board and I am assured it is being observed in all cases.