asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware that a residence rule obtains in regard to men who apply for employment as gangers in his Department, in County Kerry; and, if so, if he will have the matter examined with a view to making it possible for the men affected to secure employment in their respective home districts.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Kerry Gangers.
Mr. Boland
The rule to which the Deputy refers has been in existence in the Land Commission for many years and applies to all other areas as well as to County Kerry. It is not proposed to alter the rule which eliminated difficulties previously experienced in the execution of improvement works.
Is the Minister aware that the observance of this rule is detrimental to good, competent gangers who are compelled to travel outside their respective districts? Is he also aware that it is a costly experiment for his Department in so far as these men who are compelled to go outside their districts must get subsistence allowances whereas if the rule were amended these competent gangers could be employed in their own districts adjacent to their residences and more satisfactory results could be obtained?
Does the Deputy expect a general election?