asked the Minister for Labour if he is aware that the Dublin Gas Company are at present recruiting 70 fitters-welders from abroad to work on the replacement of the gas line from the supply base to city areas; and if, in view of the present serious high unemployment and of the State's involvement in Dublin Gas, he will introduce emergency legislation that will give priority of employment to local qualified tradespersons.
Written Answers. - Dublin Gas Company Employees.
502.
I understand from the Dublin Gas Company that they have no proposals to recruit fitters-welders from abroad. I might add that AnCO provide facilities as required for fitters-welders to update their skills to qualify them for employment on gas lines.
It must be appreciated however, that the recruitment of fitters-welders for Dublin Gas Company pipelaying operations is a matter for the company and for any individual contractors employed by them to carry out such work subject to existing legislation.
The Deputy will be aware that, in accordance with the Treaty of Rome, EEC nationals are entitled to seek employment in any of the member states of the European Community and I am satisfied that present arrangements whereby persons from non-EEC countries take up employment here must be covered by a work permit from my Department adequately safeguard the interests of Irish workers.