Effect of drainage scheme lay-offs
The Minister said lay-offs would reduce the 1984 works programme by postponing work. He cited schemes nearing completion and said the remaining programme would prolong employment for those still working; other questions were deferred.
asked the Minister for Finance the effect of lay-offs on the arterial drainage schemes.
Comment on this
The lay-off of workers on arterial drainage schemes will have the effect of reducing the works programme for 1984 through the postponement of works which might otherwise have been done this year.
Comment on this
In view of the need for arterial drainage works so as to allow field drainage to be undertaken, will the Minister not consider it important that more money be spent on arterial drainage and more employment provided in that way? The Minister must realise the importance of field drainage to agriculture which is our major industry.
Comment on this
As I have said, the Boyne scheme for instance is completed to the extent of 90 per cent. In such circumstances it is not posible to keep gainfully employed as many men as had been working on the scheme. The Maigue scheme is completed to the extent of 80 per cent while the Corrib-Mask-Robe scheme is completed also to the extent of 80 per cent. Obviously, in respect of these free schemes there is a normal run down in the employment content. There is reduction in the Estimates in the total area but that will have the effect of prolonging employment for those still in employment. It will cut down output on the drainage but for the bulk of those employed on the schemes, employment will be prolonged by possibly another year.
