asked the Minister for Lands if the Land Commission will expedite the division of bogland throughout the country so that many of those who have applied for such land may be in a position to have their own turf supply for the coming winter and thus avoid the necessity of buying fuel at a very high price.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bogland Division.
20.
(Cavan): Bogs in the possession of the Land Commission will, provided there is sufficient demand, be divided without avoidable delay. Pending final division these bogs will, of course, be available as heretofore, for turf production on seasonal lettings.
The demand for bog plots or turf banks showed a steady decline in recent years and this led to a decrease in the activities of the Land Commission in regard to the acquisition, development and division of bogs. In the light of the present situation, I am now asking the Land Commission to review the position as a matter of urgency.
Would the Minister, as a matter of emergency in the present fuel situation, bring before the Government proposals for the development of bogland owned by the Land Commission, such as the provision of further access roads and the improvement of existing roads to enable turfcutters throughout the country to provide their own fuel and to provide commercial fuel in the light of what may be a fuel emergency in the year ahead?
(Cavan): In regard to roads the repair of bogroads is not a matter for my Department. It is a matter for the Department of Local Government.
Will the Minister bring it to the attention of the Minister for Local Government?
(Cavan): I will pass on the Deputy's remarks to him.
The Department of Local Government say it is not their responsibility either. There are, therefore, thousands of acres of bogs which cannot be developed because people cannot get into them.
Is the Minister aware that the Minister for Local Government has indicated he does not propose making any extra funds available for bogroads this year? Will he consult with his colleague to see that this very necessary work will be undertaken this year?
Is the Minister also aware that the Minister for Transport and Power has washed his hands of this problem?
A final supplementary from Deputy John Callanan.
Is the Minister aware that in the case of the bogs which are now in the possession of the Land Commission nobody can do the roads except the Land Commission? Would the Minister consider, seeing that there is a fuel crisis, having these bogs divided and given out this year and also having the roads repaired? Nobody can do the roads while the Land Commission own them.
Is the Minister aware that the Office of Public Works have constructed bogroads——
The Chair must pass on to the next question.
(Interruptions.)
Question No. 21.
Nothing was done by Fianna Fáil for 16 years.
(Interruptions.)
Deputy Coogan, please. Will Deputy Callanan please resume his seat?
For 16 years Fianna Fáil did nothing about bogs.
I must ask Deputy Coogan to desist and allow questions to proceed.