asked the Minister for Lands if he will state (a) the number of labourers and others employed on the forest lands at Gradwell estate, near Oldcastle, County Meath, during the years 1946-47 and 1947-48, and (b) the number at present employed and the reasons for the disemployment or dismissals which have occurred there; further, if he will state whether he is satisfied that the staff employed at present is sufficient to deal with 1,000 acres of forest lands.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Forestry Workers' Statistics.
The forest lands on the Gradwell estate extend to 665 acres and form part of the Castlepollard forest area, totalling 871 acres. In the year 1946-47 ten men were employed during the period April to December, 1946, and eight men from January to March, 1947. The maximum number employed during the operational season 1947-48 was seven men, and the number now employed is four. The employment provided at any given time depends on the programme of work in hands.
The number of men at present employed is sufficient for the season's programme at this centre.