Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 13 May 1998

Vol. 491 No. 1

Written Answers. - Milk Board Employees.

Ivan Yates

Question:

69 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his Department will offer employment or redeployment opportunities to eight former staff of the Dublin District Milk Board, who were at that time classified as seasonal workers but who have worked, in many cases, for over 20 years with the Dublin District Milk Board and subsequently another company (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the change in employment for these staff; and in this context if he will consider offering them employment and, in particular, a person (details supplied) in County Wexford. [11538/98]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

The staff in question were employed as bovine inseminators by the former Dublin District Milk Board. As seasonal workers, they were employed as and when required. Nevertheless, when the board was being abolished in 1994, they were offered voluntary early retirement. None of the persons referred to by the Deputy accepted the early retirement package but instead decided to take up employment with the new owners of the board's ancillary business. Any change in their terms and conditions of employment is, therefore, a matter between themselves and their current employer. The question of their employment or redeployment within my Department does not arise.