asked the Minister for Local Government if in view of the difficulties of obtaining replacements of labour on farms in some areas in rural Ireland, he will consider introducing amending legislation to permit farmers to avail themselves of the employment grant relief on a proportional basis, when employees are absent owing to illness.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Employment Grant Relief.
43.
This matter was debated when the current legislation was before the Dáil in May, 1959. In the course of that discussion I intimated that I considered it equitable to allow a claim where the break in employment in any year is not greater than one month. I have expressed the same opinion to all local authorities who have approached me in the matter. I do not consider that a statutory provision to the effect suggested by the Deputy is necessary.
Would the Minister not accept the fact that when this legislation was going through the House it was easier to get replacements of labour when men went sick in rural Ireland than it is today?
The reply states that a period of one month would be acceptable as far as the Minister is concerned. It would, of course, be a matter for the local authority to decide——
It may be acceptable as far as the Minister is concerned. It would not appear to be acceptable to the employer.
He would require a longer period?
In all the circumstances, I think it would be only reasonable.
Is the month only in respect of illness?
It does not say definitely in this.
Does the Minister think that orders and regulations in that respect should be designed to encourage farmers to keep their employees for the whole 12 months in the year?
That is the idea behind the regulation, but I take it that in any case where a farmer would have difficulty in replacing an employee there would be no objection to a break not exceeding one month.
Would the Minister bear in mind the danger of aiding and abetting the further casualisation of farm labour?
The whole idea is to stop that.