asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state (a) the number of persons in the employment of Aer Lingus in receipt of salaries in excess of £750 per annum; (b) the official designation of each such post together with the salary which it carries; (c) the nationality of the occupant of each such designated post, and (d) the total number employed by the company.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Aer Lingus Officials.
The appointment of staff in Aer Lingus is a matter for the directors of the company and is not one in which the Minister for Industry and Commerce has any function. I am, therefore, unable to supply information regarding (a), (b) and (c) of the question. As regards (d), the total staff employed by Aer Lingus at 31st March, 1949, as shown in the published reports and accounts for the year ended 31st March, 1949, is 1,323.
Is the Minister aware that there is considerable public feeling concerning the positions held by non-nationals in Aer Lingus and the manner in which those positions are utilised by them, in some cases, to the detriment of Irish nationals employed by Aer Lingus?
I am not so aware but I have sufficient confidence in the board and in the Irishmen on it to be satisfied that they would not allow that state of affairs to continue.
The board may not be able always to deal with it.
There is nothing to prevent them.