asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if his Department have purchased a site at Murrough, County Galway for a fisheries research station; if so, its area; and how much was paid for it.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fisheries Research Station.
73.
The answer to the question is "no". However, I would mention that the Commissioners of Public Works did purchase a site of about 4½ acres at Murrough, County Galway for £9,000 plus fees for the purpose mentioned by the Deputy.
Could the Minister tell us when that land was purchased?
It was purchased in 1966.
This is 1972. Is the Minister aware that the four acres of land are lying idle and that they were bought for a specific purpose and that £9,000 worth of land purchased with the taxpayers' money is to be left to grow weeds?
On the general question of the use of the taxpayers' money, the idea is to ensure that it is spent to the best advantage of the taxpayer.
Will the Minister take steps to see that this property is used for the first purpose for which it was bought, namely, a research station?
The question of the provision of a research station relates to what I have just said, that this would be provided in the best place possible and as quickly as possible.
Will the Minister tell the House what will happen the four acres of land on which £9,000 was spent?
That is a separate question.
It is not.
It is. It relates to a specific matter.
Am I to take it the land is to be left there idle?
No, the Deputy is not. It is not a question for the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
The Minister should pass it on to the Department of Finance.
The suggestion that the land was abandoned——
It is abandoned.
——and that this situation will continue indefinitely, has no basis at all.
It is there for six years without anything being done about it. I shall put down the question to Finance.
The Deputy cannot go on to reason that it will continue so indefinitely.
The Minister did not give any assurance that anything will be done with it. It is no wonder the country is in the state it is.