asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that a big number of workers have been laid off the River Moy drainage scheme; and what steps he proposes to take so as to have these workers re-employed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - River Moy Drainage Workers.
26.
The laying off of men arose mainly from the completion of works on the Ballina and Deel River rock cuts and the seasonal suspension of rock excavation works elsewhere on the scheme. When the latter works are resumed in the spring, employment should again be available.
May I inquire if the Parliamentary Secretary realises the seriousness of turning men out of employment at present, in view of the wave of depression that has hit the country, and particularly the west of Ireland, as a result of the Minister for Agriculture not having helped farmers to dispose of their cattle and sheep which are left on their hands? Would the Parliamentary Secretary be able to re-employ these men?
I suggest that the Deputy should discuss the cattle and sheep part of his question with the Minister for Agriculture. As far as the employment of men on the Moy drainage scheme is concerned, at such work as rock cutting and drilling, it should be evident to the Deputy that it is not possible to carry out rock drilling in winter time and it is not the normal practice. It is usual that men employed at work of this kind are not employed in winter because the water levels are too high.
Is it not a fact that the amount of money voted for the Moy drainage scheme this year was very considerably lower than in the previous year?
That has no relevance to Deputy O'Hara's question.