asked the Minister for Lands if he will explain the recent considerable lay-off of forestry workers in the Foxford area of County Mayo; and what steps he proposes to take in order not only to restore the former position but to improve upon it.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Forestry Workers.
13.
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Deputy O'Hara on 6th April, 1967.
14.
asked the Minister for Lands if he will explain why the Forestry Division of his Department has greatly reduced its labour force; and why his Department did not accede to the request made some months ago by the Irish Transport and General Workers' Union for a conference to discuss this very important matter.
Employment in the Forestry Division of my Department depends on the availability of work at the various State Forests. The main causes of a reduction in the labour force are the non-availability of additional land, mechanisation, improved work techniques and chemical control of competing vegetation.
The request mentioned in the second part of the question cannot be traced, but a reminder in March by the union is currently under examination.
Could the Minister indicate when discussions will commence in connection with this very important matter, having regard to the desirability of good labour relations?
There are two matters involved here. In regard to the one in which I think the Deputy was specifically interested, there is a letter of 2nd April dealing with that. Advice was being sought as a matter of urgency on the question of the eligibility for benefits of those concerned. Those inquiries have been concluded, and I think they are eligible for those benefits. On the general issue, the time was not opportune until now, and perhaps not for about another fortnight, for the general discussion, as it is at that time of the year we shall be able to make more accurate forecasts as to the employment position.
Am I to understand that in three or four weeks' time discussions will commence?
I shall be communicating with the Deputy.