asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware that a large number of forestry graduates have little prospect of employment in this country, and, as a consequence, are compelled to emigrate, and, if so, if he will take steps to terminate this situation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Forestry Employment.
I am aware that there are few openings for forestry graduates in this country outside the State service. The rate of recruitment to the forestry service must be governed by the number of vacancies which occur each year and subject to that opportunities to enter the forestry service will continue to be offered to graduates in forestry as the requirements of the Department permit. No guarantee of eventual employment in the service can, however, be given to graduates or prospective graduates in forestry.
If there are vacancies in the Forestry Department for these people, is it not reasonable to suggest that these vacancies would be filled by graduates from our universities?
I want to tell the Deputy there are no vacancies at the moment. There are 43 inspectors and of these 13 are graduates and 30 are not. A certain percentage, in my opinion—and a liberal percentage—of non-graduates, that is, those who have joined as forestry trainees and worked their way from the bottom up, gaining practical experience that only comes with work in the field—that a certain number of these should be promoted as well as university graduates, with a certain amount of practical experience. I have not a closed mind at all on the subject.
Nobody suggested for a moment that it should be a closed field. Is the Minister aware that this country is losing the services of some of the finest forestry experts, who rise to great positions in other countries having been refused employment in Ireland? The services of these experts are now being utilised to develop other countries.
I should like to take in as many forestry graduates as possible. I am not aware that there are any at the present time who cannot get employment. I should like to see at least 50 per cent. graduates and 50 per cent. non-graduates; that is a rough figure.
Can we hope that that will be the policy the Minister will pursue from now on?
A great deal will depend on vacancies arising on the staff. If no vacancies occur for years to come no graduates and no non-graduates will be taken in.