asked the Minister for Labour if he has received any complaints about the quality of workers employed in new industries in Ireland; and, if so, what they were.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Industrial Workers.
21.
I have not received any such complaints.
If he has not, has he any comment to make on an officer of his Department who did apparently come across numerous complaints about this type of thing and would he ensure that officers of his Department do not make statements which can be used against Irish workers abroad when the recruitment of labour is being considered for industries in this country?
I am not aware that any officer——
The Minister does not read the newspapers?
The Deputy is probably referring to the statement made recently by the Chairman of the IDA.
Yes. The Minister is close enough to the IDA to——
I would say, in defence of what that particular officer said on that occasion, that he said this was not general.
Why did he say it at all? Why should an officer of a State board decide to publicly castigate Irish workers just for the purpose of getting away with something which might appeal to a certain section of the community but which, in effect, must do irreparable harm to the good name of Irish workers?
Question No. 22.
(Interruptions.)