asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware of the recent dismissal of forestry workers in East Limerick and whether he has any immediate proposals in mind for the re-employment of the workers concerned; further, if he will indicate what proposals, if any, for afforestation schemes in the East Limerick area his Department has in mind.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - East Limerick Forestry Workers.
The suggestion contained in the Deputy's question that regular forestry workers have been dismissed is not correct. Seasonal staff reductions have been taking place over the past couple of months in three of the four forest centres in East Limerick. My Department was glad to be able to provide additional employment, even for a short period, during last winter when other employment was scarce.
With regard to the final part of the Deputy's question, agreement has been reached for the purchase of over 1,100 acres of land and negotiations are in progress for a further area amounting to 147 acres. It is yet too soon to indicate accurately the acreage which will be planted next season but the Deputy can take it that it will be in or about the same as last season.