asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries (a) the date on which it became known in his Department that a pilot farm training scheme had been organised for the Dublin area, (b) the date on which a decision was made to permit employees of his Department's farm to participate in the scheme, (c) the date on which the farm courses commenced last year, (d) the date on which his Department was informed that no vacancies existed, and (e) the date on which authorisation was given for participation in the scheme.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pilot Farm Training Scheme.
40.
The scheme was approved by County Dublin Committee of Agriculture on 6th July, 1970 and my Department was, of course, informed at that stage.
On 16th September, 1970, the Federation of Rural Workers requested that a number of my Department's farm workers in County Dublin should be allowed to participate. The scheme commenced on 14th October, 1970.
As indicated in my reply to the Deputy's question on 4th November, 1970, the matter of participation was then under consideration. The committee of agriculture informed my Department on 11th November, 1970, that the first course had been filled. On 11th December, 1970, I authorised participation in future courses and, as indicated in my reply to the Deputy's question on 28th October, 1971, two employees are attending the second course.
Can the Minister say how soon after 16th September, 1970, his Department requested places on these courses for students?
On 16th September the Federation of Rural Workers requested the Department to allow a reasonable number of agricultural staff. There were, however, certain aspects of the scheme which had to be fully considered before a decision to participate could be taken Deputy Tully raised the matter on 4th November, 1970. My note has not got that date.
Was any effort made on receipt of the communication from the trade union to find out if there were vacancies then because it appears that it was a month after the start of the course?
This was the difficulty rather than any innate reluctance on the part of the Department to allow their workers to participate. The fact of the matter is that they were late when they applied. I think there were 14 places available and they were all gone.
I asked how soon it was after the 16th because it was around that time that the course started. On 14th November the Minister got a reply saying there were no vacancies. It would appear as if the application was not made until after the course started although they knew before-hand. It should not have happened but we can do nothing about it now.
That is quite right. The fact is that we can do nothing about it now. There are two workers participating in the scheme.