asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will give the number of outdoor staff employed in the enforcement of the compulsory tillage Order in 1947-48, the number left off when the Order was no longer enforced, and what provisions, if any, have since been made in the way of providing alternative employment for these men under his Department or as far as is known by private employers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Compulsory Tillage, 1947-48.
The number of outdoor staff employed on the enforcement of the compulsory tillage Order at the peak period of the season 1947-48 was 245. As the Deputy is aware it had been the practice during the years in which the compulsory tillage Orders were in operation to employ a number of officers seasonally and to release them as the exigencies of the work permitted. This procedure was followed in 1948. With the exception of some men for whom the Department obtained private employment, all the former tillage outdoor staff who were available and suitable have since been absorbed on the land rehabilitation project or in other suitable State employment.