asked the Minister for Lands if any arrangements have been made to deal with forestry workers who have become redundant or alternatively to let such forestry workers be re-employed in the forests in which they previously worked.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Employment of Forestry Workers.
37.
Where appropriate, gratuities have been paid to forestry workers who were laid off because of redundancy. This does not necessarily debar them from being re-employed should vacancies arise.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary tell me under what conditions a gratuity is paid? I am aware that several men have been laid off without getting anything.
Men who are laid off because of redundancy qualify for the payment of a gratuity provided they have a minimum of seven years completed service. Gratuities are calculated on the basis of one week's pay for every year's service up to a maximum of 15 years and two weeks pay for each completed year thereafter.
About six months ago, many workers were laid off and can the Parliamentary Secretary give me any hope that they may be re-employed in the future?
As I mentioned to the Deputy, if and when there are vacancies, they will get every possible consideration.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary say if there is any question of an age limit for those who are paid the gratuity he has referred to?
I am afraid I cannot answer that.
The Parliamentary Secretary should be aware that it is not paid unless they retire through age or illness. The House should not be told something that is not correct.
The information I have is that men laid off because of redundancy qualify for payment provided they have a minimum of seven years' service.
They must fulfil an age qualification.
38.
asked the Minister for Lands the number of forestry workers employed in the Camolin forests, County Wexford; and the prospects of re-employment of those workers who were discharged owing to redundancy.
Forty men are employed at Camolin Forest. There is very little land in reserve for planting and the prospects of further acquisitions are not bright. There is no foreseeable prospect of increasing employment.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary give a guarantee that those who were laid off, and there was quite a considerable number from the Camolin forest, will get the redundancy payments? There is no other available fund.
I have no doubt that, if they qualify for a redundancy payment, they will get it.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary bear in mind that there is no other available employment, and there is not likely to be, in the area? The Parliamentary Secretary has no interest in employment.