asked the Minister for Finance the number of men employed on the Boyne drainage scheme on 1st January, 1971, 1st April, 1971, and at the latest available date.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Boyne Drainage Scheme.
46.
A total of 371 men were employed on the Boyne drainage scheme on 1st January, 1971; 450 were employed on 1st April, 1971, and 427 are at present employed.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary relate that to the statements of some of his colleagues in Government that there is no reduction in the work force on the Boyne?
No men have been laid off the scheme as such. Any reduction is due to normal wastage. The commissioners have written, however, to the Department of Finance to discuss this matter particularly in relation to the Boyne and I hope the outcome of these discussions will be successful. Nobody has been laid off as such.
I know the Parliamentary Secretary is very sympathetic towards the question of employment, but surely he does not expect me to believe that on a scheme which has been less than 12 months in operation so many people have retired? That is a little bit too much.
These figures do vary. I will say what the Deputy wants me to say: Unless the discussions I am hoping to have with the Department of Finance are successful there will have to be a reduction of workers on the Boyne.
Is it not true that already there have been nearly 30 men laid off the Boyne, though the scheme is less than 12 months in operation? Is it not true also that there will be no replacement if anybody happens to be unable to get to the job?
These things fluctuate all the time and a certain number of men are, in my opinion, required to proceed with this scheme in the most economical way. When we fall below that figure the return for the investment is reduced somewhat. I have certain proposals to put forward to the Department of Finance which I think will resolve the problem in relation to the Boyne. Until these discussions are completed I cannot say.
I hope the discussion will not be between the local Fianna Fáil Cumann and somebody else so that they can say that these people are being kept on when they are not.
The Battle of the Boyne.
Order.
Questions Nos. 47 to 54, inclusive, postponed.