asked the Minister for Lands whether the consultative committee, contemplated under Section 10 of the Forestry Act, 1946, has been appointed; if so, the names of the members of the committee and their qualifications; and if the committee has not been appointed, whether he will state the reason why a period of 16 months has been allowed to elapse, since the Act was passed, without these appointments having being made.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Forestry Committee.
Mr. Boland
The consultative committee contemplated under Section 10 of the Forestry Act, 1946, has not been appointed. Owing to unforeseen difficulties in the drafting of the necessary statutory and other forms, the Act has not yet been brought into operation.
May I point out to the Deputy that, while the Act empowers me to set up such a committee, it does not place upon me any legal obligation to do so?