asked the Minister for Lands if he will consider further drainage work in the west of Ireland to have the growth of land productivity equated with industrial development.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Land Productivity.
13.
While the Land Commission occasionally clear minor drains for the improvement of land which they have taken over for division, they do not normally undertake any major drainage works such as the Deputy appears to have in mind.
Is the Minister aware that the money provided for land drainage during the past 20 years has remained at approximately £1 million? Industry in the west is encouraged and is subsidised but a vote of £1 million for 20 years for land drainage is no encouragement for land productivity in that area. Would the Minister consider this matter and endeavour to ensure that industrial development would be equated with land productivity and that more money be given for land drainage in the west?
I am not aware of which Department would be involved in that Vote.
The money for land drainage for the past 20 years has not been nearly adequate.
I cannot accept that. The money for land drainage would come under the Vote for the Office of Public Works and would be much more than £1 million. The only function of the Department of Lands would be the surveying of a holding in respect of minor drainage. General drainage would not be their function.
The Minister is aware that the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries cover drainage in their land project scheme.
We cannot have a statement on the matter.
Is the Minister aware that the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance told us that drainage is not on the priority list of the EEC? Therefore, if we cannot get more money for this purpose from some other channel land drainage will be neglected.
Again, the Deputy is embarking upon a statement.
Before our entry to the EEC we were carrying out substantial drainage and I am sure that position will continue.