asked the Minister for Lands when it is proposed to introduce a sick pay scheme for forestry workers.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Sick Pay for Forestry Workers.
30.
This question is still under consideration and I am not yet in a position to make a statement in the matter.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that discussions took place between the trade union concerned and the Department in February, 1965 about this matter and that every six weeks since in response to letters to the Department replies are received that the matter is still under consideration and would he not agree that it is rather ludicrous that the same reply should be repeated by him in this House?
Of course, the Deputy will agree that forestry workers are only one of several groups of workers in State employment who do not enjoy superannuation rights and it would not be practicable to give preferential treatment to one particular section of workers.
Surely the Parliamentary Secretary will agree that playing ball between himself and the Parliamentary Secretary, Deputy Gibbons, will not help the forestry workers? The Parliamentary Secretary, Deputy Gibbons, gave the same reply with regard to drainage workers. Is it not possible for the Government to make a decision which will cover all the workers concerned? There is supposed to be an interdepartmental committee dealing with matters of this kind. Will the Government try to do something positive?
That is what is being done at the moment. They are all being considered. They must all be considered together because of the particular circumstances.
I suggest that what is being done at the moment is nothing and that that is what has been done for the past 18 months about this matter.