asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the number of workers employed in the various forest areas of south Tipperary and west Waterford in respect of the past ten years; the extent to which vacancies have been filled; if an embargo has been applied to the recruitment of additional forestry workers; and if he will make a statement outlining his policy on the matter.
Written Answers. - Forest Workers in Tipperary and Waterford.
87.
The number of forest workers employed in the two districts mentioned in each of the past ten years are as follows:
|
1976 |
1977 |
1978 |
1979 |
1980 |
1981 |
1982 |
1983 |
1984 |
1985 |
|
|
Tipperary S.R.(14 forests including Dundrum Saw mills) |
192 |
173 |
176 |
171 |
183 |
185 |
160 |
153 |
147 |
156 |
|
West Waterford |
118 |
107 |
102 |
99 |
94 |
87 |
85 |
77 |
76 |
76 |
|
(9 forests) |
Inevitably the introduction of improved working methods, the operation of an incentive bonus scheme and greater use of mechanisation over the past two decades or so has affected the scope for employment in forestry generally.
Since 1982, restrictions arising from the embargo on filling of vacancies in the public service have applied to forest workers. In addition to the permanent workforce, the Department traditionally takes on temporary workers to assist with seasonal work: in the current year an estimated 200 such workers will be employed.