asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state (a) whether notices of dismissal have been given to a number of the technical staff of Bord na Móna, (b) how many men on this staff have received notice, (c) how many of these are engineers with university qualifications, (d) the reasons for these dismissals, and (e) if he intends to allow these notices take effect.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bord na Móna Technical Staff.
Mr. Lemass
I am informed by Bord na Móna that notices of dismissal have been given to eight members of the technical staff who have become redundant owing to staff reorganisation and a reassessment of the board's objectives arising from changes in the plans of the E.S.B.
Decisions regarding the recruitment or discharge of staff are a matter solely for the board and as I have no function in the matter I have no authority to intervene.
I suggest that the Deputy should inquire directly of Bord na Móna for information on the detailed matters mentioned.
Would the Minister tell the House if that decision arose through the E.S.B. reducing or restricting their expansion efforts with regard to the supply of electricity?
It is a chain of events. The E.S.B. say they have too much plant because they were told to erect too many which they do not now need. Bord na Móna proceeded to develop bogs on the presumption that the E.S.B. would require more and more turf. The E.S.B. feel it prudent not to put up more plant that they do not need. Bord na Móna say it is no use producing turf they cannot sell to the E.S.B.
Mr. Lemass
Does the Minister think anybody believes what he says?
I believe this mess has been brought about by the fact that the Deputy bulldozed the E.S.B. in 1953 and 1954. The then Minister for Finance said the same thing in the official file.
Does the Minister think it good national policy to depend on imported coal and oil for the generation of electricity?
That is an entirely separate question.
May I ask the Tánaiste would he use the hammer on the head of the E.S.B.——
I would not need a hammer on the shell-like head of the Deputy.
Would the Minister ask Bord na Móna to examine whether, in view of the proposed construction of the new briquette factory, they might not be able to avail of the technical staff which were employed by them on the new projects?
Bord na Móna are well aware of my view that they should utilise to the fullest extent possible every person to whom they can offer employment at any kind of work which looks reasonably economic.
Would the Minister say that to the E.S.B.?
If the E.S.B. were not bulldozed in 1954, this mess would not have arisen.
Question No. 8.