asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he will state the number of (a) fitters, (b) master mechanics, (c) electricians, (d) shift engineers and (e) other skilled workmen of foreign nationality now employed in the service of the Irish Sugar Company; whether they hold permits authorising their employment in that service; whether he will state the circumstances in which such permits were granted; how long the holders have been in the service of the company and when it is intended to withdraw their permits and to terminate their employment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Foreigners Employed by Irish Sugar Company.
Dr. Ryan
The numbers of foreign workers, of the classes specified, at present in the service of Comhlucht Siuicre Eireann are:—
|
(a)Inspection Fitters |
7 |
|
(b)Master Mechanics |
4 |
|
(c)Foremen Electricians |
4 |
|
(d)Shift Engineers |
10 |
|
(e)Other skilled Workmen |
32 |
Permits in respect of the employment of these aliens have been issued to Comhlucht Siuicre Eireann, Teo. The sugar industry which involves many highly technical processes, was new to this country and it was inevitable that skilled personnel possessing the essential technical qualifications for the purpose should be brought from other countries. The aliens employed were men of long experience in the sugar industry. The periods of employment of the aliens vary.
|
Five have been employed for10 years. |
|
|
Eight ,, ,,,, |
9 ,, |
|
One has ,,,, |
7 ,, |
|
Thirty-nine,,,, |
2 ,, |
|
Two have,,,, |
1year. |
|
Two for less than |
1 ,, |
The replacement of aliens by national workers is proceeding gradually and the whole position is kept under constant review. It is not possible, however, to state when the supply of Irish nationals qualified to undertake the duties now performed by alien workers will be sufficient to meet fully the needs of the factories.