asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state the nationality of the boat yard foreman recently appointed to the Killybegs boat yard; whether any Irish citizens were applicants for the position; and, if not, if he will explain why no Irish apprentices are being taught the art of laying-off in boat building to enablethem to qualify for positions such as this.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Killybegs Boat Yard Foreman.
I am informed by An Bord Iascaigh Mhara that the foreman in question was recruited in Scotland and is presumed to be of British nationality. There were applications from Irish citizens for the position but, with the exception of two who were already in the board's employment and have conditions of service the same as those attaching to the Killybegs post, the candidates interviewed were not found to have the desired qualifications. Apprentices at the board's boatyards are given experience in laying-off boats when new designs are being put into production.