asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state in respect of each bog operated by Bord na Móna in County Offaly the number of men laid off since 1st July last.

I am informed by Bord na Móna that the number of men laid off by the board on the bogs in County Offaly since 1st July, 1956, is as follows:—

Clonsast, five; Boora, 160; Turraun, 54; Derrygreenagh, 46; Blackwater, 48; making a total of 313.

Bord na Móna have stated that this lay-off is mainly seasonal.

I have also been informed by the board that at present 1,333 men are employed by them on the bogs in County Offaly.