asked the Minister for Finance if the Government have any plans for the acquisition of Fota Island, East Cork, or for otherwise preserving this unique amenity for the public.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fota Island Acquisition.
30.
Mr. Kenny
The matter referred to in the question is under consideration but I am not yet in a position to make any statement concerning it.
Could I ask the Parliamentary Secretary by whom or by what Government agency the matter is under consideration?
Mr. Kenny
By the Minister for Finance.
And does the Parliamentary Secretary, of his own volition, make any recommendation to the Minister for Finance in this matter?
Mr. Kenny
Not to the Minister for Finance directly. However, I have studied the matter and found out, through various offices, through the Office of Public Works, the Department of Lands, through a senior valuer in the Valuation Office, that it is an admirable suggestion that Fota Island should be bought as an amenity park not as a national park, for the people of Cork, and it is still under consideration.
That is the description I gave it in the question, but may I ask the Parliamentary Secretary, having regard to his assessment of the suggestion as being a most desirable one, has he made a recommendation accordingly to his Minister.
Mr. Kenny
I have not yet.
But he will?
Mr. Kenny
I have done it now.