asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will now raise the ban on the emigration of all agricultural and turf workers for the winter months, and thus allow them to go to employment in Britain.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ban on Agricultural and Turf Workers.
The restrictions on emigration are reviewed by the Government from time to time and are modified as may appear to be necessary. Recently the restriction placed on the emigration of agricultural and turf workers from scheduled areas was relaxed to enable workmen to proceed to seasonal work, a limited visa being granted requiring the workers to return to this country on or before the 31st March, 1946. I understand that all the men needed for this employment have been engaged. The question whether further modifications are desirable in respect of agricultural and turf workers as a class is receiving consideration at the moment.
Would the Minister state if there are certain areas in the County Mayo to which the ban still applies during the winter months?
Certainly.
Would the Minister consider lifting the ban for the whole county, particularly in the case of turf workers? Turf work has ceased over the last month. Will the Minister say what he wants turf workers all over the country for from now until next March?
I have informed the Deputy that seasonal permits have been given to a number of workers from the scheduled areas, in whom the Deputy is interested, to proceed to work in Great Britain, terminating next March. All the workers required for that employment have, I understand, been engaged, and as I have told the Deputy the general question of the future regulations is being considered.
Would the Minister say if there is an arrangement with the British Government by which those people will be compelled to return when work is finished?
They are employed for seasonal work in connection with the sugar industry.
Will the British Government then compel them to leave England?
When work ceases.
At the end of six months?
Is it fair to prevent men getting away to work when they cannot get it at home?
That has hardly been the case.
Well, it is a fact.
Not up to the present. Certainly there is plenty of turf work in the County Mayo.
There is not.