asked the Minister for Lands the estimated reduction in employment by his Department owing to the reduction in the rate of planting in State forests from 25,000 acres to 20,000 acres.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Employment in Forestry.
86.
Many factors influence the level of employment on State afforestation and it is not possible to define precisely the effect which the alteration of the planting programme had on employment in a single year. It is estimated however that a reduction of about 110 men or about 2½ per cent of the potential labour force was involved.
Is the Minister aware that in my constituency of Wexford there has been a reduction in the employment of personnel in all State forests? My information is that that reduction is due to the reduction in the planting acreage from 25,000 to 20,000 and that that, apparently, is the only factor. If there are any other factors, would the Minister care to indicate what they are and if there is likely to be an improvement in the near future? People who have been employed for up to 15 years have been let go in these different forests.
Broadly speaking— to mention a couple of the factors— they are increased techniques in the Forestry Division through work study and the increased use of machinery. An overriding factor may be the shortage of land in any particular area. The Deputy will appreciate that, where there is a forestry centre and the seasonal work there finishes and there is not additional land for planting, some of these men must go. These are some of the factors. The Deputy asked me about the country as a whole. I could not break this down in respect of County Wexford. However, in so far as one can judge and taking into account all these different factors, the reduction in the potential labour force last year was 2½ per cent.
In view of the fact that there is obviously going to be some unemployment in forestry areas, which appears to be more or less permanent on account of what the Minister has said, would he consider consulting with his colleague, the Minister for Labour with regard to the re-employment of such personnel as have to be discharged in the forestry centres?
I can certainly consult with my colleague.