asked the Minister for Lands the reason for a reduction in the staff and the disemployment of so many forestry workers in County Laois, having regard to the long service of many of these workers; and if they will be re-employed at an early date, and, if so, when.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Disemployment of Laois-Offaly Forestry Workers.
56.
A number of men had to be laid off at Durrow, Emo and Ossory Forests at the end of the 1961/62 season because of a general reduction in the reserves of work available at the centres. Over the past few years it had been possible to maintain employment at these Forests at a comparatively high level because there were substantial programmes of road construction, drainage repairs, heavy cleaning of plantations and other general forest development work to be dealt with. Arrears of work on these operations have now been cleared up and in the circumstances reductions in staff could not be avoided.
I regret that I am not able to hold out any prospect that the men laid off will be re-engaged in the near future.
57.
asked the Minister for Lands the number of forestry workers in the State forests in counties Laois and Offaly who are under notice of being laid off.
There are 17 men at present under notice at Durrow and Emo Forests, County Laois. A total of 19 men were laid off last week at Ossory Forest, County Laois, and Tullamore Forest, County Offaly.