asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of the great financial loss caused to the 250 jarveys, to their families and to tourism generally by the closing of the main entrance gate to the Bourn Vincent Memorial Park, Killarney for the past 12 months; why this gate was closed; and if he will take all possible steps to have it reopened in the near future.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bourn Vincent Memorial Park.
18.
The main gate leading to the Bourn Vincent Memorial Park was closed on 13th May, 1968.
This action was taken following the unauthorised removal of a sign post which had been erected at the main gate to inform tourists and the public generally that there is a motor car entrance to Muckross House and gardens further along the road. Interference with facilities provided for the general public could not be condoned.
The gate has been open since Wednesday, 27th November, 1968. The sign has been in position, on park property, since Thursday, 28th November, 1968.
I do not accept that great financial loss was caused to the jarveys by the closing of the gate or that tourism generally was adversely affected.
Three or four days ago this gate was open and then they put signs on pillars directing tourists not to enter by that gate but by another one, a mile or 1½ miles away. Would the Minister tell the authorities concerned to take off those signs and leave the gate as it was for centuries? Will the Parliamentary Secretary answer me to that effect?
The purpose of erecting the signs was to inform the public in general of the existence of a new approach to Muckross House and gardens. It must be plain enough that the State has spent a great deal of money preparing this new approach to the house and gardens to make it available not only to the people who patronise side-cars and jarveys but also to people who wish to drive down there. The purpose of the signs was to inform the public of this facility. I think even Deputy Connor must see that there is nothing wrong in informing people that a certain facility is available which they can use if they want to.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary interest himself in this further and ask to have these signs taken down?
May I ask the Deputy what possible objection there is to providing information for the public in general and especially visitors to Killarney that this facility is available? Deputy Connor appears to be asking me or the Commissioners of Public Works to deprive visitors to Killarney of necessary information.
He is not.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that this is a national park?
Yes.
Three or four weeks ago Kerry County Council received a deputation from the jarveys. The Parliamentary Secretary said they are not at any loss but the Jarveys' Association in Killarney is at a loss due to the fact that they have to make a bargain with the hotels. They have been using this gate all their lives. They now feel that they are taking money from the tourists under false pretences.
We cannot have a debate on this matter. Question No. 19.
Evidently I have not got it across that the signs were erected in order to inform the public of the existence of a facility made available by the State. No one was deprived of any rights they previously held until State property was deliberately destroyed by the jarveys. I would suggest that the destruction of public property as a means of communication is somewhat outmoded. If the jarveys want to communicate by a more rational method with me or with the Commissioners of Public Works we would be delighted to see them.
I should like to hear——
We cannot have a debate on this matter. I have called Question No. 19.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that certain jarveys near Killarney were bitterly disappointed when this gate was opened last week? An effort is now being made to make a political issue out of this.
I do not live 20 miles away from this place. It is a national park. Kerry County Council will be demanding that a deputation be received.
We cannot have a debate on it.
The Fine Gael jarveys are trying to cause trouble. They were disappointed when the gate was open.
I want to tell Deputy Spring that there is no necessity for Kerry County Council or any other county council to demand the reception of a deputation from the jarveys or any other interested parties in Kerry about this matter. If they want to see me all they have to do is ask to see me and I will see them.
We will take that up one of these days.
Question No. 19.
19.
asked the Minister for Finance whether he has officially sanctioned an increase in the rate of remuneration for the workers in the Bourn Vincent Memorial Park, Killarney; if so, the date from which such increase will become operative; and whether he will ensure that all arrears due will be paid before Christmas.
I take it that the Deputy is referring to the general labourers and associated classes employed in the Bourn Vincent Memorial Park. An increase in the rate of pay of these workers has been sanctioned with effect from 1st August, 1968. Arrears will be paid before Christmas.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary tell us why the date 1st August was selected for these workers?
That was the agreed date.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary be prepared to say why this date was suggested by the Department?
I would be prepared to say that I think this new arrangement will be acceptable to the workers themselves. That is the main thing.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary agree that the reason why these workers accepted it is that they have no option? They have no tribunal to which to submit their case. They have been offered this because the State knows it can get away with it.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary say how much they are paid?
That is a separate question. We know.
They are paid damn all.
If that is the line taken by the Labour Party I am sorry for them.
How much are they paid?
Is it not true that they have not been paid what was agreed on months ago?
The Labour Party like to say that so that they can manufacture a grievance.
How much are they getting now?
They have not got the increase agreed on a couple of months ago.