asked the Taoiseach whether in view of the necessity further to develop and expand the forestry programme he would be willing to take the responsibility for afforestation away from the Department of Lands and set up a national forestry authority which would undertake the planting programme and be responsible for the setting up, under State auspices, of industries using forestry products.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Forestry Authority.
8.
I am well satisfied with our current forestry programme, which, at the recently-attained annual planting rate of 25,000 acres, is really substantial for a country of our size and resources. Indeed, in relation to population, it is the most extensive programme of afforestation being undertaken anywhere in Europe today. In the five years ending next month, the area of new State plantations laid down will reach about 120,000 acres. I see no reason to alter the arrangements under which this excellent progress has been achieved.