asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware of the large scale redundancy among forestry workers in south west Cork; when those affected may hope to be re-employed; and if he has any plans to provide them with work pending reemployment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cork Forestry Workers.
43.
A total of 14 men have been laid off because of redundancy at south west Cork forests.
The whole question of employment on forestry is under constant review and, while the prospects of re-employing those affected are not immediately good, every possibility will be availed of to improve the position.
Is there not work available there at the moment? These men are working there still on forestry. Some of them have been there for ten years. The services of these skilled men will be lost although there is work available. I would appeal to the Minister to look into the matter and to re-employ these men, many of whom have large families to support.
I should like to assure the Deputy that if, in fact, there is any work which the Deputy knows about, or any other method by which these men could be re-employed, I would be very glad to know of it.
You could employ them on forestry there.
Questions Nos. 44 to 54 are postponed.
Was there any notification of this?
This is a practice that is growing and I do not agree with this postponement just before Question Time. Suitable notice should be given to both the Chair and the Minister.
The Opposition seem to think they can ballyrag us here in the House at Question Time. I have been sitting beside the Minister for Education here for three days with these questions.
Surely, it is no worse than questions being answered when the person who put them down does not turn up in the House while they are being answered? You cannot have it both ways.
That is most unfair and unreasonable of Deputy Tully.
I am never unreasonable.
Questions Nos. 44 to 54, inclusive, postponed.