asked the Minister for the Environment the present position regarding the several hundred men employed by Dublin Corporation under the environmental works scheme.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Environmental Works Scheme.
19.
Since last January, the number of temporary employees involved has been reduced from 314 to 159, mainly by assimilation into the corporation's normal workforce. I have recently made a further allocation of £100,000 to the corporation, bringing to £1.7 million the grant assistance to the local authority this year towards the cost of employing the men concerned. The additional allocation has been made on the basis that the corporation will retain the workers in employment, continue during 1985 with the policy of assimilating them into the permanent workforce, and assume full responsibility for the satisfactory resolution of the problem by the end of 1985, making appropriate provision in their estimates for that year.
Is the Minister prepared to give a commitment that he will continue to provide necessary finances to Dublin Corporation to ensure that these men are retained in employment until such time as they can all be assimilated into Dublin Corporation?
I will not give that commitment.
Is the Minister prepared to allow these men, with so many others, to join the ranks of the unemployed?
That seems to be argument.
It relates directly to the question on the Order Paper. I am asking about the future of men who are employed currently by Dublin Corporation. I am asking the Minister who has direct responsibility for those men whether he intends to provide the necessary funds to ensure that they remain in employment or if he is prepared to allow them join the ranks of the unemployed. It is a straight question.
The responsibility for the workforce is primarily the responsibility of Dublin Corporation. I have made very generous allocations to them this year so as to allow the men to be assimilated. That work has continued with, as I have indicated, a reduction in the number of temporary employees from 314 to 159. I would remind the Deputy, since he has raised this question of charges, that if a much higher percentage of the charges had been collected this problem would not be there.
More blackmail.
"Blackmail" is not a parliamentary word.
It has been used already.
It was not used by me.
It will not be used again. The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.
I wish to raise a matter on the Adjournment but as the Minister for the Environment is here perhaps he will tell me has he authorised Cork Corporation and County Council to deduct the water charges from the higher education grant?
Is the Deputy requesting permission to raise a matter on the Adjournment?
The Minister for the Environment is here——
That is disorderly.
I am asking the Minister whether the local authorities in Cork are deducting water charges from the higher education grant.
The Deputy cannot have an impromptu question of this kind. I am taking her request for an Adjournment debate.
Would you explain why you disallowed my Private Notice Question regarding the imminent closure of Kenmare Products in Kenmare on 23 November at a loss of employment for more than 100 families in the area?
I considered your question and ruled it out of order because it did not meet the criteria for a Private Notice Question. My secretary gave the reasons to the Deputy. I know you are an orderly Deputy but to pursue the matter here further would be disorderly.
This is also a matter of urgent national importance because there is great concern about serious malpractices as far as public expenditure is concerned.
The Deputy may put down a question by ordinary motion.
Are you aware that there are allegations of grave malpractices in public expenditure in regard to machinery for this industry?
I have ruled the question out of order but if the Deputy wishes to have a chat with me——
This factory is due to close on 23 November.
I wish to raise on the Adjournment the unemployment problem in Finglas because of the closure of STC.
I will communicate with the Deputy.
You again ruled out of order my request for a Private Notice Question about the family in Ballyfermot who are being deported on Tuesday next. Could I have the matter raised on the Adjournment because there is only one more Dáil sitting day on which to raise it before they are deported?
I wish to raise on the Adjournment the closure of a school at Knocknagoshel, County Kerry.
I will communicate with the Deputies.
I wish to inquire if there is any intention by any member of the Government to make a special statement.
The Chair has not received notice of any such intention.
I ask the Chair to let us have adequate notice of any such proposal by the Government.
I will, of course.