asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware that a number of men recently employed on the forestry scheme at Caragh Lake, County Kerry, have been discharged, and, if so, whether, in view of the fact that the majority of the men concerned are married, and in view of the resultant hardship to their families, he will arrange to have them re-employed immediately.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kerry Forestry Scheme Dismissals.
Four men taken on for temporary work at the end of March, 1956, to complete planting at Caragh Lake property have now been discharged. Planting has finished and there is no other work available.
Is the Minister aware that the head labourer in Caragh Lake has discharged certain of these men whilst, at the same time, he is holding on to his own friends to the detriment of married men? These men were recruited from the local labour exchange and they are being discharged for no reason whatsoever, while single men are being retained. That is the subject matter of my question——
It is very like a speech.
——and I would like the Minister to investigate the position. It is not——
Oh, now. Is the Deputy asking a supplementary question?
Would the Minister admit that it is not conducive to creating the proper approach in regard to afforestation that good men should be discharged?
I cannot hope to reply to all the points made in the Deputy's speech but I would point out that these men were taken on only a short time ago; and, on the occasion of their being taken on, they were told that when the work would be completed in about three or four weeks' time there would be no option but to let them go. They are four small farmers and they have alternative employment on their own holdings, or so I am assured. However, in view of the Deputy's allegation that there was favouritism on the part of the head labourer, I will look into that aspect of the matter. All the property has now been planted and only a few men will be kept on for maintenance purposes. All the rest, including those the Deputy alleges are friends of the head labourer, will also be let go.
Could the Minister see his way to re-examine the question of the married men being reinstated? There are two married men with large families who were previously on the dole. They were dispensed with. Could their case be considered?
I will investigate and let the Deputy know.