asked the Minister for Labour whether he is satisfied that the pay-off of Irish miners employed by a company (name supplied) in County Meath and their replacement by foreign miners was justified.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Meath Miners.
21.
Development mining work in County Meath was put out to tender by the principal mining company and a number of contractors were engaged to undertake different stages of the operation. As each contract was completed the contractor and his work force ceased to be engaged. One contractor engaged for a specific section of the work was given permission to employ foreign specialists. The replacement of Irish by foreign workers did not arise on the individual contracts.
I am satisfied from the representations made that these arrangements will contribute to earlier employment of substantial numbers of Irish workers on the main construction and mining work.
Can the Minister be quite sure that it was not the better miners who were paid off? My information is that a man who was the best miner in these islands was paid off and others were taken on from Canada who could not lace his boots. I can give the Minister names if he wishes.
The position is that the Irish Transport and General Workers' Union—the union representing the miners—made a protest to the Department of Labour against the employment of these foreign specialists and agreed they would not oppose the granting of permits. I think they would know the position in this matter. Is Deputy Blaney talking about three Donegal men?
Yes.
Of the three people two were never employed on the mining site in Navan; the third was employed by a sub-contractor and left along with everyone else when the job was completed. He was subsequently employed by the demolition company and eventually he went back to the original sub-contractor who had employed him at Navan. I think the Deputy is a little off track.
There must be some misunderstanding and I would ask the Minister to reinvestigate the matter. Obviously we are not talking about the same people. I can give the Minister the name of the best miner in these islands; he was on the job but was paid off and replaced by people who would not even know which way they were going in a mine.
I accept that the person who told Deputy Blaney about the best miner in these islands probably believed what he was saying. I do not want to give names in the House but if Deputy Blaney likes I shall tell him afterwards. I think a mistake has been made and that somebody has been pulling the Deputy's leg.
That is not so.
I am calling Question No. 22.