asked the Minister for Lands if he will examine the possibility of growing ash on the bank slopes in forestries so as to ensure a supply of material for the manufacture of hurleys.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Growing of Ash.
14.
(Cavan): The Forest and Wildlife Service of my Department will continue, as heretofore, planting ash on suitable sites in their possession.
I gather that the Department have been planting ash at suitable sites. I know the Minister has no responsibility for the GAA but are they in touch with the Forestry Division about getting the ash?
(Cavan): My information is that over the years we have been planting ash on suitable sites. It takes better land to grow ash than to grow soft wood. A certain percentage of ash is grown. I understand there is no real shortage of ash for hurleys.
Indeed there is and that is why I put down the question. The Forestry Division do not plant the ordinary cypress on slopes but banks or slopes give the natural curve to the ash tree and that is what the ordinary hurler wants.
(Cavan): My Department are very anxious to facilitate the GAA. I understand that much of the ash used for hurleys comes from private sources but my Department have been able to supply all the ash requested for the manufacture of hurleys.
The ash, as supplied, grows straight. I know the Department supply manufacturers but the Cork, Kilkenny, Galway or Clare hurlers prefer the ash with the natural curve coming out from the root, not the forced curve which does not give what they call a natural hurley. The Department do not use the banks and slopes of which I speak to grow ash. I have been in the forests in County Clare and County Galway and I know no ash is grown on the slopes or banks which would be the ideal place to grow it.
(Cavan): I shall certainly bring the Deputy's suggestion to the notice of the Forestry Division. I also understand that the Department have undertaken to make as much ash as possible available and in view of the request from the GAA, the availability from State forests sources is also being reviewed.
Is the Minister aware that inadequate supplies of ash were made available from his Department last year causing a considerable shortage of material for the manufacture of hurleys and will he ensure that there will be no recurrence of this situation, in other words, that adequate supplies be made available each year to the manufacturers of hurleys?
(Cavan): I am not aware that inadequate supplies were made available last year but I can assure the Deputy that the Forestry Division will make available suitable requirements.
Will the Minister take my word for it that this shortage did occur?
We are going into argument.
We are not.
The Chair says so.
(Cavan): In view of the information available to me I cannot accept what the Deputy says.