asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state the number of persons employed in a temporary capacity as inspectors and supervisors under the compulsory tillage scheme in each year since the scheme was initiated; whether the same number will be required next year; and, if not, what steps will be taken to provide employment for those who may be disemployed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Compulsory Tillage Scheme Staff.
The number of inspectors and supervisors employed in a temporary capacity directly by my Department, and excluding officers on loan from the Department of Lands, each year since compulsory tillage was introduced is as follows:—
|
Year |
Inspectors |
Supervisors |
|
1939 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
1940 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
1941 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
1942 |
Nil |
29 |
|
1943 |
10 |
62 |
|
1944 |
12 |
199 |
|
1945 |
25 |
200 |
|
1946 |
47 |
200 |
|
1947 |
49 |
198 |
|
1948 |
49 |
196 |
These figures represent the numbers employed at the peak periods each year. The great majority of the supervisors were employed for part of the year only. In the earlier years the inspectorial work was carried out by inspectors on loan from the Department of Lands and a number of these inspectors has continued to be employed on the work. As to the second part of the question, there is nothing I can usefully add to my reply to the Deputy on last Thursday.
With a view to assisting in placing staff redundant on tillage work in suitable positions, I have taken steps to bring to the notice of land owners, managers of institutions, etc., that my Department has on its records the names of men suitable for positions as farm managers or farm stewards. In addition, any of the staff redundant on compulsory tillage work are being and will be given priority of consideration for any other posts on my Department's staff for which their qualifications render them suitable which may arise from time to time.