asked the Minister for Lands the amount of land held by the Forestry Branch of his Department in County Wexford; the pool of land available for future planting; and if such a pool guarantees full maintenance of present employment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Wexford Forestry Land.
69.
The total productive area held by the Forestry Division of my Department in County Wexford on 31st March, 1968 was 19,098 acres of which 16,612 acres were under woods and plantations leaving a reserve of 2,486 acres nominally available for planting. The extent of the plantable reserve is only one of the factors influencing employment and any given level of plantable reserve could not of itself be regarded as affording a guarantee of maintaining employment.
Can the Minister give a guarantee that those who are at present employed in forestry in County Wexford will have continuity of employment?
I have already explained to the Deputy, in reply to a specific question he put down, that the extent of the plantable reserve is only one factor and it cannot be taken on its own as affording a guarantee of retaining employment.
Could the Minister help me by telling me what the other factors are?
Some of the factors which affect employment are the increased use of machinery and the increased use of chemicals: they are factors.
Shortage of money?
No, not shortage of money. The ones I have mentioned are the principal factors, I would say. We are endeavouring to acquire more land under a new price structure which will, I hope, be successful.
I appreciate the Minister's answer, but he will note from my question that I am endeavouring to find out if there is likely to be continuity of employment for those presently employed and can he give me a reassuring reply to that question?
He cannot.
I will do my utmost to ensure this but it is a difficult matter and I cannot give a specific answer.
They may emigrate to England.
The Dáil adjourned at 3.45 p.m. until 3 p.m. on Tuesday, 25th June, 1968.