asked the Minister for External Affairs if he will give details of any arrangements which have been entered into with the French Government concerning the employment of Irish workers in France; and if he will make a statement in regard to the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Workers in France.
The French authorities have informed us that for certain classes of workers there are openings for employment in France, but no arrangements on the matter have been entered into.
Can the Taoiseach say the classes of workers required by France?
Carpenters, cement workers, lumbermen.
Can the Taoiseach say if we have, in fact, carpenters, cement workers and others in this country for whom there is no employment?
I do not know what the point is in the Deputy's supplementary question.
The point is whether the Taoiseach thinks it desirable that skilled workers of this sort should be unemployed in this country while available for France.
I never said anything that indicates anything of that sort. I stated that the French authorities have informed us that there are for certain classes of workers openings for employment in France, and I added that no arrangements on the matter have been entered into.
And no other arrangements are being made with the French Government or the French Consul to have them shipped?
I know nothing further than what I have stated, that no arrangements have been entered into.
Perhaps the Taoiseach will inform the House if he or the Government approves of the emigration of workers.
The Government does not approve of the emigration of any workers if they could be kept here, but we cannot put a barrier on people who want to go.
Is the Taoiseach aware that there are not sufficient workers for the building industry here, in relation even to the limited amount of materials available?
That question I think should be addressed to the Minister for Industry and Commerce, with regard to details. I was asked a simple question, and I have given a direct answer to it. On the other points, I submit they ought to be addressed as separate questions.
Can the Taoiseach say if he will see if sufficient workers, who are so urgently required for the building industry, will be retained at home, and that the necessary materials will be provided for them, by an approach to other countries for materials in exchange for our food supplies?
That is a very much wider question.
It has nothing to do with this question.
Will the Taoiseach say if he has informed the French Government that we have not sufficient workers of that class here?
I have not informed the French Government of anything about the matter. No arrangement of any kind has been made. Deputies do not even know what question was asked.
We do.
Then you know more than I do.