asked the Minister for Lands if it is intended to commence forestry operations at an early date on the lands purchased by his Department at Annaskirtane, Rathmore, County Kerry; and if he is aware of the urgent need for this type of work in the area in order to provide employment opportunities for those at present unemployed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Employment on Forestry.
41.
The Forestry Division of my Department holds 41 acres at Annaskirtane, Rathmore, County Kerry. The area is isolated from the rest of the forest and it is proposed to hold it as part of the plantable reserve for the present pending review of the position in the light of future acquisitions in this area.
42.
asked the Minister for Lands what is the present position, and what will be the position during the coming year, regarding the employment of forestry workers at Bandon and Macroom Forests, County Cork; whether it is likely that there will be a reduction in unemployment in these forests; and, if so, what steps his Department are taking to ensure the re-employment of any men laid off.
While work programmes at Bandon and Macroom forests for the coming year have not yet been finally settled, present indications are that some reductions in employment at these forests will be necessary. Employment at State forests must continue to depend on the work position at each forest and on the overall availability of funds in the Forestry Vote.
43.
asked the Minister for Lands if he will state for each of the past five years the amount spent by his Department on (a) wages of forestry workers, together with the number of workers employed, and (b) the acquisition and maintenance, etc., of machinery used in forestry work throughout the country; and the estimated amount for 1966.
The information required is in the form of a tabular statement which, with your permission, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, I am arranging to circulate with the Official Report.
Following is the statement:
|
Year |
Average Number of men employed |
Labour Expenditure |
Purchase and Maintenance, etc. of Machinery and hireage of plant |
|
£ |
£ |
||
|
1960-61 |
4,653 |
1,671,105 |
135,359 |
|
1961-62 |
4,803 |
1,831,942 |
147,610 |
|
1962-63 |
4,663 |
1,932,989 |
110,838 |
|
1963-64 |
4,773 |
2,051,201 |
138,166 |
|
1964-65 |
4,812 |
2,368,200 |
182,822 |
|
1965-66 |
4,665 |
2,250,000 |
225,000 |
The figures for 1965-66 are estimates.
44.
asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware that a number of forestry workers in the Woodford area, County Galway have been disemployed recently; if he will indicate when it is proposed to reemploy them; and if he can give an assurance that no further workers will be disemployed in the area.
I am aware that a number of workers will be laid off in the Woodford area following the settlement of work programmes and review of labour complements which is carried out at this period each year.
Employment in forestry is on a casual basis and I cannot give any assurance on the lines sought by the Deputy.
It does not matter then how long a man is employed in the forest, the Minister still considers he is a casual.
Generally speaking, if a man is employed for a considerable period and his work record is satisfactory, he is the last to go.
That is poor consolation to him if he still has to go. Surely the Minister realises that, if the Forestry Division have been employing people for a number of years, an effort should be made to give them some permanence.
The Deputy is aware the programme depends on the amount of land in the machine. We try to keep as many men as possible employed permanently where it is feasible to do so.
The Deputy is also aware of the need for some type of pension scheme for forestry workers. The Minister told me a couple of weeks ago that it was under consideration. It has been under consideration now for 15 months.
Sin ceist eile. The Deputy is on his hobbyhorse now.