asked the Minister for Lands and Agriculture if it is intended to introduce legislation dealing with afforestation, and, if so, when such a measure is likely to be introduced.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - AFFORESTATION.
The reply to the former portion of the question is in the affirmative. As to the latter portion, the Minister for Lands and Agriculture is not at present in a position to indicate the date upon which it will be possible to introduce the Bill, but this will be done as soon as the necessary preliminary steps, which are now being taken in conjunction with other Departments concerned, have been completed. It is hoped, in any event, to introduce the Bill this Session.
Arising out of that answer, I would like to point out that in my district, where there is a scheme of afforestation, eighteen men are under notice, and will be disemployed on Saturday next. Perhaps that information would be conveyed to the Minister for Lands and Agriculture? I might also point out that the eighteen men are not entitled, on account of the fact that they are agricultural labourers, to unemployment benefit. They should, at least, be allowed to remain on until the end of the month.