asked the Minister for Agriculture whether the Government intends to reduce or alter the scope of the land rehabilitation project; and, if so, in what degree and in what respect.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Land Rehabilitation Project.
There is no intention to alter the general scope of the land project. It is the intention, however, to concentrate so far as practicable to a greater degree on land which is capable of giving the more immediate results from the point of view of increasing production in the shortest possible time.
In view of the Parliamentary Secretary's statement, would he now tell his colleague, the Minister for External Affairs, to restrain himself when speaking about the land project, and would he tell the Parliamentary Secretary also to restrain himself when speaking about the land project in view of his announcement of not intending to alter its scope in any particular?
He might also tell the Minister that he has stopped the cod of Deputy Dillon spending £200 an acre.
These two fellows do not understand the first thing about it.
They would not recognise it if they met it walking down the street.
They stopped Deputy Dillon putting the taxpayers' money into swamps.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state what is the average cost of land rehabilitation under the Connemara scheme; how many acres have been rehabilitated; how many of such acres are in the Aran Islands; what is the average size of holding on which rehabilitation work has been carried out under this scheme.
It is assumed that the information the Deputy requires has reference to work being carried out by my Department for farmers under the land project—special Connemara scheme. Particulars of the work completed or in course of completion under this scheme were furnished to members of the Oireachtas on the 21st April last. No direct action reclamation work has been undertaken on the Aran Islands.
As I have already indicated in previous replies to questions by Deputies on the 6th July, 1951, and the 22nd November, 1951, the provision of detailed information as to average costs of works in particular areas and other such statistical data would entail a volume of work on the part of the land project staff which I do not think would be justified. I feel sure the Deputy will appreciate this position.
If the information asked for in the question is not available, will the Parliamentary Secretary kindly tell me where the Minister for External Affairs got the information which he alleged was official, and which the Parliamentary Secretary now says is not official for his rameish in this House?
That is an entirely separate question.