asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware that the four men recently laid off at Lough Carra forestry centre have no alternative means of livelihood, while many of those retained are men of considerable substance who are not dependent for their livelihood on their earnings as forestry workers; and if he will indicate the general policy of his Department in regard to recruitment of workers for forestry work generally.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Employment of Forestry Workers.
The four men recently laid off at Lough Carra forest are unmarried and their general circumstances, according to my information, compare favourably with those of the men retained in employment.
Forestry labourers are recruited from amongst men registered as unemployed at the local employment exchange and are, as a rule, taken on in the order of preference in which they are put forward by the exchange, subject, of course, to their suitability for forestry work. In decreasing staff the same general principles apply. Regard is had to each man's circumstances and to his performance of work during the period of his employment.
Can the Minister state if the men who have been laid off will be re-employed at some time in the future?
I cannot say that. The matter is being examined.
asked the Minister for Lands whether he proposes to grant any increase to personnel employed on forestry work at Donadea, County Kildare; and, if so, if he will state the amount, and when it will become operative.
Instructions have been issued for the payment of an increase of 5/- per week effective from 28th April 1952, to the labourers employed at Donadea forest.