asked the Minister for Lands what is the position in regard to the boat-building yard in Baltimore, County Cork; if he will state the number of persons employed there at boat building in December, 1956 and at present; if there are orders on hands for the building of boats at this yard; and if it is proposed to encourage the industry in this district by extending the accommodation and by making an effort to provide more orders for this important boatyard so as to increase employment in accordance with the tradition of Baltimore in the boat-building industry.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Baltimore (Cork) Boat-Building Yard.
17.
The position in regard to the boat-building yard in Baltimore —and other yards operated by An Bord Iascaigh Mhara—is that employment depends on the amount of work available. Various incentives in the Government's Programme of Sea Fisheries Development are designed to encourage increased activity at the boatyards.
At the Baltimore yard the number of persons employed was 19 in December, 1956, and is 17 at present. While the overall employment thus shows a reduction of 2, there has in fact been an increase in adult employment as the number of apprentices has been reduced from 5 to 1. Five boats are under construction at the yard and the existing accommodation is adequate.