asked the Minister for Lands if he will state (a) the allowance per acre granted for planting new shelter belts and clearing such belts; (b) the rate of agricultural wages on which this allowance was based, and (c) if he is prepared, in view of the increase in agricultural wages, to increase this allowance.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Shelter Belts.
The scheme of assistance for the planting of shelter belts is not administered by my Department but by the Department of Agriculture through the county committees.
A grant of £10 per acre is paid by the forestry division to persons who undertake planting of a minimum of one acre on their own lands, on conditions designed to ensure a successful plantation.
Does the Minister intend to increase the £10 grant to compensate the farmer for the increased costs for planting one acre of ground?
When I am satisfied that £10 per acre is not a fair grant to make I shall travel along the line suggested by the Deputy, but not until then.
Does the Minister then consider that that is reasonable, in view of all the promises that were made about forestry?
Question No. 4.
May I say, in reply to Deputy Aiken, that he can rest assured that the administration of the Department of Forestry is in slightly better and more enthusiastic hands now than has been the case for many years past?
What is the enthusiasm worth?