asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he is aware that the Carlow County Council has decided not to cut turf this year; and whether, in view of the need for the maximum production of turf, he will urge the county council to continue to cut turf for local needs.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Turf Production in Carlow.
I am aware that the Carlow County Council has decided to obtain by contract the turf required for institutions and machinery for the coming year. Carlow County Council does not cut turf for Fuel Importers, Limited. I do not think in the circumstances my intervention is called for.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary now permitting the county council, as a matter of policy, to purchase turf elsewhere although turf could easily be cut in the county and thereby employment could be provided for many people who have been employed in turf-cutting up to the present?
I think the Deputy is probably aware that the costs of producing turf in Carlow have been extremely heavy and, as a result, Carlow County Council, on their own initiative, decided to obtain its turf by contract and gradually to reduce the amount of turf produced directly. Tenders have been issued for turf by contract and if the arrangement is not satisfactory they can reconsider the position. They are at liberty, if they so desire, to continue with their present plan.
Surely it is possible to evolve some proper system of management for the cutting of turf in Carlow so that the cost of production there will bear some reasonable relation to the cost of production elsewhere. If the scheme is managed properly, turf can be produced economically in Carlow.
What does the Deputy know about it?
I saw it and know the way in which it is managed.
Did the Deputy see the bog?
I did: It is very little interest that some people take in the bog.