asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he will state the number of turf workers, both local and hostel, who have been laid off by Bord na Móna since the end of this year's production season and if, in view of the serious situation created by the large-scale unemployment caused by the action of Bord na Móna, he will outline the policy of the Government regarding the dismissal of these workers who will be forced to emigrate as no alternative employment is available at this time of year in the affected districts.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dismissal of Bord na Móna Workers.
I am informed by Bord na Móna that since the end of the production season, which includes the harvesting period, the number of workers in employment was reduced by 571. Of these 350 were resident in hostels and 221 were living locally. The end of the production season this year has been taken as the first week in October. I understand that the season ended earlier this year owing to the favourable weather conditions during the harvesting period. Bord na Móna states that this reduction in the number of workers at the close of the production season is a normal phase in turf production. The reduction in employment this year is, however, somewhat greater than usual by reason of the fact that capital development work which has been in progress side by side with production operations at many of the bogs is now approaching completion.
With regard to the final part of the Deputy's question, it is not the practice of the Government to intervene in the management arrangements of Bord na Móna. I understand from the board that the recruitment of workers for the 1953 season will commence early in January.