asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware that a considerable number of ESB employees have been laid off in the Tipperary area, ostensibly by reason of the credit squeeze; and what steps he proposes to take to ensure the speedy re-employment of these men.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Disemployment of ESB Workers.
21.
I am informed by the ESB that it is not a fact that a considerable number of Board employees have been laid off in the Tipperary area but that twenty-nine casual workers employed by them in County Tipperary were recently laid off in the normal course on the completion of the construction of new lines and stations and the termination of maintenance work including the painting of steel masts. These are largely seasonal activities carried out in the summer time.
Is the Minister not aware that the dismissed men were informed by officers of his Department that their dismissals had come about as the direct result of the credit squeeze and that certain essential work schemes had been deferred as a result of shortage of capital for the ESB in my area?
I have given the Deputy the answer to his question. I have stated the facts. The periods of employment of these workers ceased normally as a result of the end of the activities in which they were engaged and had nothing whatever to do with any credit squeeze.
I can assure the Minister that the views of his officers in my area are quite different.
Is the Minister aware that many of those men in Tipperary and Cork were let off with less than three hours' notice and does he agree with that kind of action by any State body?
I have no information.
I can assure the Minister that is so.