asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that the Offaly County Council has acquired the developed portion of the Ballincor bog, County Offaly, for the purpose of its turf production programme and has thereby dispossessed a large number of local producers; and, if so, whether he will take steps to ensure that these producers are provided with alternative turf banks fully developed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ballincor Bog Development.
Mr. O'Higgins
I have no functions in respect of the vesting of particular bogs in local authorities for turf production. I have, however, had inquiries made in the case to which the Deputy refers and I am informed that, for the purpose of its turf production scheme, the Offaly County Council found it necessary this year to enter on the Ballincor Bog, which had been developed and worked by the council in the previous turf production campaign of 1941 to 1947. I have also been informed that all the persons who had turbary interests in this bog last year have been accommodated with good banks elsewhere.
Mr. O'Higgins
Arising out of the Minister's reply, will the Minister take steps to ensure that such acquisition of turf banks will not deprive producers of banks previously available?
I have told the Deputy what the position is, that I had no responsibility in respect of the vesting of particular bogs in local authorities for turf production. I want to assure the Deputy that the general understanding between the local authorities concerned and my Department is that, while they have an obligation, of course, to go ahead and discharge their responsibilities, those responsibilities should be discharged without inconveniencing any person, or, if they have to be inconvenienced, to the least possible extent. I have told the Deputy that in this case every effort to fulfil this obligation has been made.
Mr. O'Higgins
Will the Minister act if evidence is produced to him that some 30 producers of turf on this bog have been dispossessed? Will he take steps to ensure that they will be compensated or provided with turf banks?
As I have informed the Deputy, I have no direct responsibility, but I have information in this file at my hand which contains an assurance from the responsible person, who, I take it, is the county engineer, to the effect that all those who had to be dispossessed have been accommodated elsewhere. I assume that information conveyed to me through a source of that nature is reasonably correct.
Mr. O'Higgins
If the assumption is wrong, will the Minister act?
The Minister cannot act unless he has power to act. He has the responsibility of drawing the attention of a local body to any case in which he is satisfied an injustice is done.
Mr. O'Higgins
I take it the Minister will not act as Pontius Pilate?
The Minister will always act justly.