asked the Minister for Lands if he will state (1) the qualifications necessary for gangers or charge-hands appointed for the first time in forestry schemes; (2) from whom recommendations are sought as to suitability of appointees; (3) whether applicants for the post are interviewed, and, if so, by whom, and (4) on whom rests the responsibility of making the final selection.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Appointment of Forestry Gangers.
Head labourers are appointed from the forest staff. They are selected on the basis of ability to take charge of staffs, general reliability, efficiency and knowledge of the work. The local forester's recommendation in the making of such appointments is generally accepted unless his superior officers are aware of some reason to the contrary.
Head labourers are not gangers in the strict sense but ordinary workmen who receive a small bonus for supervision of a labour squad in the absence of the forester.
Applications for employment in the capacity of head labourer are not invited and no question of interview arises.