asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he can state when the Forestry Department proposes to plant trees on Forth Mountain.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - TREE PLANTING.
Mr. HOGAN
I am not at present in a position to say when it may be possible to commence planting operations on Forth Mountain. Owing to the existence of grazing and other rights on the area, the land could not be acquired by the Department unless they were granted special power for the compulsory extinguishment of such rights. It is proposed to obtain this power in the Forestry Bill at present passing through the Oireachtas, and pending the coming into operation of that Bill the Department are not in a position to take further steps in the matter.
I should say that the Forestry Bill will be passed within the next fortnight.