asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that workers on the Feale Drainage Scheme are dissatisfied because they are employed on a seasonal basis; and, if so, when these employees can expect full-time employment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Feale Drainage Scheme Workers.
20.
On the Feale, as on other completed drainage schemes, the normal practice is to carry out maintenance works on a seasonal basis. It is not proposed to alter this practice because experience has shown that weather conditions and water levels are not conducive to satisfactory working during the winter months.
Employees should get some guarantee of continuous employment.
We did try to maintain these people in full employment in the years 1968 and 1969. Unfortunately, that experiment was not successful. For the Deputy's information, the end of the season occurred once in October, six times in November, once in December and once in January. This year it is proposed to end at Christmas.
When did the season open?
The position is unfair to these men. They are on call; if they were not on call to the Parliamentary Secretary's Office they could look for some other employment. Because they are on call they cannot do that until the drainage work is over. This is one of the biggest schemes in Kerry and they are told they will get full employment on the Maigue drainage, which is a much smaller scheme.
The Deputy must be aware that these schemes are drawn up in consultation with the county council. This year it is my intention to keep these men, by agreement, in employment up to Christmas.
Could the Minister say when the season opens?
Early in the financial year. It is all of nine months.
If this is intended as a Christmas box it is a very poor one.
Question No. 21 withdrawn.