asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware that grave dissatisfaction exists among forestry workers arising from the failure of the officials concerned to take seniority of service into consideration when redundancy occurs in a particular area; and if he is prepared to take steps to direct the officials that seniority must be taken into account when redundancy occurs in any forest area.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Redundant Forestry Workers.
47.
Where redundancy occurs it is the practice to examine carefully the claims to retention of each man employed before any decision is taken as to who should be discharged. Factors taken into consideration include each man's seniority of service and his family and financial circumstances, but particular importance is attached to each man's work output and his attitude to work generally. I am satisfied that due regard is had to seniority of service in all cases where redundancy arises.
48.
asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware of the grave dissatisfaction which exists in the Clonkeen area, County Kerry, because of the laying off of forestry workers in the area while his Department have purchased a considerable amount of land there which is not being worked; and if he will take steps to ensure that this land is worked, and that those workers who were laid off are re-employed.
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Deputy Connor on 22nd April, 1964.