andMr. Treacy asked the Minister for Fisheries the number of forestry workers employed on 1st January 1977, 1st July 1977 and 1st January 1978, indicating the number retired in that period, and the number of new workers employed in forests in job creation programmes.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Forestry Workers.
39.
The number of forestry workers employed on relevant dates were: 1 January 1977, 2,515; 1 July 1977, 2,520; 1 January 1978, 2,539.
In that period 152 forestry workers retired. Employment of forestry workers was at a fairly static level in 1977 and wastage due to retirements and other causes was offset by new appointments.
Surely the Minister is aware of the great scope that is there for the employment of additional men in forestry and the rich reward we could win for the nation? What are the prospects for additional employment in forestry in the immediate future?
There are two aspects to that. The whole forestry operation is becoming mechanised at present with a view to supplying an efficient raw material for industrial development using added-value timber products and timber development ranging into paper, newsprint in particular. This area is being examined by the IDA in conjunction with my Department and it involves the efficient production of the raw material which at that level is not inclined to lead to increased employment by reason of mechanisation. However, the overall impact, if we develop a substantial added-value element in the timber industry, would be of tremendous benefit to the industry.
Would the Minister not agree that while it may seem economically wise it is socially undesirable that more machinery should be used in a situation where we have mass unemployment? Surely it should be the opposite, the utilisation of men rather than of machines?
The Deputy may not have heard me correctly. I am thinking in terms of this area being an outstanding area where we can have a substantial added-value on to the timber industry which does not exist at present. That depends on the efficient production and harvesting of the raw material itself. For instance, at present we have no newsprint manufactured here. The amount of added-value in regard to timber products here at present is lamentably low and has been neglected over the years. I say that categorically. An examination is in train at present with the IDA and I believe it will shortly lead to the announcement of positive plans for substantial employment in a whole range of added-value industries based on the efficient production of timber products.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Is it true that a couple of industries which process timber have been virtually nationalised by the Government to save them going out of business?
That unfortunately is one of our inheritances that I propose to rectify, as I have just announced. I have the IDA working on it as a matter of urgency at present in conjunction with my Department.
The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.