asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware of the serious hardships caused to workers and their families by the large scale lay-off of men employed by Bord na Móna on bogs in County Mayo; and, if so, if he will take the necessary steps to have these men reemployed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bord na Móna Employment in Mayo.
21.
I am informed by Bord na Móna that 35 men were laid off at Bellacorick works, County Mayo and 43 men at Bangor Erris. The Bangor Erris men were seasonal workers. It was necessary to lay off the 35 men at Bellacorick because the main work on railway and bog development which had been in progress up to this year during the winter months has been practically completed. In March 1967 these men will be considered for employment if conditions are normal.
Might I inquire from the Minister whether he appreciates the gloomy prospects for these people and their families? They have no means of deriving an income from any other source. They are smallholders of 30/- and £2 valuation and because of the devaluation of cattle and sheep prices, have no means of providing the wherewithal for their families.
The Deputy knows that the work in Bord na Móna is seasonal to some considerable extent. Work now involves maintenance and development which can be done in the winter months which will ensure a greater volume of work being done in the summer months. That is the acceptable position in all the bogs.
Is no effort being made by this semi-State body to meet the redundancy payment bill that will come soon because of the laying off of workers?
I have no information about that.
Would the Minister care to look into it?
I would investigate it.