asked the Minister for Tourism, Fisheries and Forestry if he has any proposals to re-employ the forestry workers recently laid off in State forests and if he will make a statement on the matter.
45.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Forestry Employment.
20.
asked the Minister for Tourism, Fisheries and Forestry the action he proposes to take to increase employment in State forests in Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 20 and 45 together.
My Department employ a number of temporary workers each year to assist with seasonal operations or to meet peak demands in other work. The termination of these workers' employment arises either from the completion of the work on which they were engaged or when the funds available for their employment is running out.
My Department have always employed temporary workers for these reasons and I expect that they will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. As temporary employment becomes available in the future these workers will be considered for re-employment. Deputies will be pleased to know that of those let go recently it has been possible to offer further temporary employment to 28 workers.