asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the number of forestry workers trained each year for the past ten years; the number currently in training; and if there are plans to increase the number of forestry workers.
Written Answers. - Forestry Workers.
694.
The number of forest workers employed at the end of each year for the past ten years is set out in the following table.
TABLE
Number of forest workers employed at 31 December
|
Year |
No. Employed |
|
1974 |
2,750 |
|
1975 |
2,659 |
|
1976 |
2,592 |
|
1977 |
2,530 |
|
1978 |
2,646 |
|
1979 |
2,741 |
|
1980 |
2,719 |
|
1981 |
2,731 |
|
1982 |
2,652 |
|
1983 |
2,490 |
In practice, all forest workers receive a measure of training in a variety of forest operations. This training is generally given on the job as circumstances require and is occasionally supplemented by special short courses organised locally. The new forest worker training centre at present being established at Mountrath, County Laois, will afford an opportunity for more specialised training for selected workers in future.
Every effort is being made to maintain recruitment of forest workers at a level consistent with Government policy to achieve a reduction in the numbers employed in the public sector.