asked the Minister for Fisheries (a) the facilities or arrangements that are made to protect the health and welfare of forestry workers working in wet and inclement weather; (b) if the Minister is aware of a number of workers being ill as a result of working in such conditions; and (c) if he proposes to take any steps to improve and remedy the situation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Forestry Workers' Conditions.
4.
With regard to (a) of the Deputy's question, an issue of rainwear, comprising water-proof trousers, jacket and hat is made to all forest workers. Rubber boots are also provided to afford men protection against damp or water-logged ground. Huts, where men can shelter during heavy rain or other inclement weather, are located at or convenient to sites where work is in progress.
As regards (b) I am not so aware and in the case of (c) I am satisfied that the provisions made at present are adequate.
The Minister has stated that there is no problem in this area but I should like to point out to him that forestry workers have drawn my attention to this matter. They have told me that some workers are suffering from arthritis because they do not have proper protection when working in inclement weather.
The work by its nature does subject workers to difficult conditions. They are exposed to all types of weather. In view of the Deputy's question and of the representations made to him I will have the matter further examined.