asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware that in a communication of the 13th October from his Department regarding forestry workers, it was stated that reasonable time off is allowed to enable labourers to attend Mass on Church holydays, provided the time lost is made up during the week, and whether this arrangement is the final result of the consideration of the question in his Department.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Time-off for Forestry Labourers.
The answer to both parts of the question is in the affirmative.
Am I to take it from the reply that forestry workers who must take time off to attend Mass on Church holydays must make up that time during the rest of the week-that they are not going to be permitted to take time off to attend Mass without being penalised in this fashion?
That has been the custom with regard to a small number of the total employees in the Forestry Department up to this.
Does the Minister agree with it?
As I said before, I would much rather see no work carried on on Church holydays if it could be arranged.
Will the Minister consider giving the same facilities as are given by the county councils?
I will.
I am not satisfied with the reply to this question and I propose to raise the matter on the adjournment.