asked the Minister for Education whether he will urge primary and secondary schools to give instruction to children in the importance of afforestation and the care and protection of trees.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Instruction in Care of Trees.
My Department has frequently communicated with the conductors of the schools regarding the desirability of supporting the efforts of voluntary bodies in organising Lá na gCrann celebrations and in arranging for the children to take part in a token plantation of trees in the vicinity of their schools. Where children under the control of their teachers attend and take part in such a function, the time so spent by them is reckoned as attendance at school. As an alternative, the manager is empowered to close the school for the day. The Department has also co-operated with the Forestry Division of the Department of Lands in bringing to the notice of the schools efforts made to stimulate public interest in the planting, the care and the preservation of trees.
I may add that my Department's inspectors are being instructed to encourage teachers to give occasional brief talks to the pupils on the importance of trees from the aesthetic point of view and in the general economy of the nation.
Would the Minister, in conjunction with the Minister for Lands, consider the issue of a circular to the schools in relation to the organisation and holding of Arbor Week celebrations, thereby, in effect, conveying to the school managers the contents of the Minister's reply?
I have always felt that there was too little publicity in relation to the question of forestry, and if there is any method by which I can get that publicity I shall be glad to avail of it.