asked the Minister for Transport and Power the number of redundancies in the Bord na Móna works in Counties Laois and Offaly to the latest available date; and if he will indicate the bogs at which these redundancies have taken place.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bord na Móna Redundancies.
36.
I am informed by Bord na Móna that, apart from the normal end of season lay-off in Laois and Offaly, 22 men are being laid off by the board at their Cuilnamona works as redundant following reorganisation. The men involved have relatively short service ranging from 1½ to 2½ years.
In view of the fact that 22 men have lost employment, can the Minister state if Bord na Móna have considered the matter of alternative employment for them? Is there any scheme under consideration for the utilisation of cutaway bogs which might be linked with forestry? Can the Minister say if the redundant workers could be employed on this kind of work?
Bord na Móna are developing their cutaway bogs and using them for various agricultural purposes but in this instance redundancies followed a reorganisation and related only to very young men with 1½ to 2½ years service. The minimum dislocation was caused.
There is no alternative work available in the vicinity. What can the workers do? Is there any way in which the Minister or Bord na Móna can help to provide useful employment for these people?
I shall ask Bord na Móna to examine the problem raised by the Deputy.