asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware that an unprecedented number of turf workers have recently been laid off on Littleton and Templetuohy Bog, County Tipperary; if he will state the length of service of each man laid off; when these men are likely to be reinstated in employment; and what proposals are at present under consideration for the development of this bog.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Tipperary Turf Workers.
20.
The recruitment and employment of their workers is entirely within the responsibility of Bord na Móna. On inquiry I have been informed by Bord na Móna that last December, 69 men at the Littleton works and 30 men at the Templetuohy works were laid off in the normal course on completion of seasonal operations. Some of these men had been on occasion in the past retained over the winter, but their length of service varies from year to year. Depending on weather conditions it is expected that employment will be available for them in March or April next. Certain development works to extend Templetuohy bog are in progress at present. The maximum number of men who could be accommodated on this work is at present employed.
Is the Minister aware that Bord na Móna have stated that while they had work for the men and would normally have retained them, they could not keep them on for financial reasons, because they could not borrow more money from the Government?
I have no information of that nature. As I said, the recruitment and the employment of workers is entirely the responsibility of the Board.
This is the Minister for Transport and Power without responsibility.