asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the number of men who were laid off by Bord na Móna in September last at Boora, County Offaly; how many of those laid off were resident locally; and what steps, if any, were taken to provide alternative employment for them.

I am informed by Bord na Móna that the number of men redundant at Boora Works during September last due to seasonal curtailment of work was 84. Of this number 37 were resident locally and all of these were offered employment at Black-water bog which is near Boora.

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state what number of workers resident locally are likely to be laid-off by Bord na Móna during the coming winter; and what proposals, if any, the Government has in mind for dealing with the resulting unemployment.

I am informed by Bord na Móna that the number of workers resident locally who are likely to be laid off by the board for the winter, as from October 25th, 1954, is 575. Arrangements have been made for the promotion of temporary employment-giving activities which it is expected will provide alternative employment for some, if not all, of the workers in the areas concerned.