asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will ascertain from Bord na Móna why they will not employ boys from borstal schools, who have been recommended by the governors of such institutions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Employment of Borstal Boys.
The arrangements for the recruitment of staff by Bord na Móna rest entirely with the board. I have been informed, however, by the board that they have no regulation prohibiting the employment of boys from Borstal schools who are otherwise suitable, and I suggest that if she requires further information the Deputy might get in touch with the board direct.
Is the Minister aware that the governor of St. Patrick's has told me that Bord na Móna have refused to employ, at his request, one boy whose only experience was that of a turf worker? He told me he was told they were precluded from employing the boy because he was a Borstal boy.
I have given the Deputy the information that the board have no regulation prohibiting the employment of boys from Borstal schools. That information has been conveyed to the Deputy on information given to me by the board and, far from prohibiting the employment of boys from Borstal schools, who are suitable, the board will be glad to employ any suitable person on turf production provided they have vacancies. I suggest, therefore, that the Deputy should communicate the facts of the case she has in mind to the secretary of Bord na Móna and have the matter investigated.