asked the Minister for Fisheries if, in view of the need to encourage the retention of as many young people as possible on the land and because of the desirability of propagating the many benefits accruing from afforestation, he is prepared to consider proposals for the establishment of forestry schools in places such as Doneraile Court, County Cork and other centres where large vacant mansions exist adjacent to extensive State forests.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Forestry Schools.
25.
Forest workers are normally recruited and trained locally on the job. If, however, the Deputy is referring to the training of foresters I am satisfied that there are already adequate facilities for their training in Kinnitty Castle, County Offaly, and in Avondale, County Wicklow.
Could the Minister indicate how many men are being trained at present?
The existing facilities for training at Avondale and Kinnitty cater for an output of 15 trainees per year at a time when staff requirements so demand it. Our need now is for eight to ten trainees per year and the facilities are more than adequate. Trainees are normally absorbed into the forester grade on satisfactory completion of the three-year course. In addition, the facilities are used for refresher courses for foresters and other staff and for other forms of specialist training.
Is it the position that eight foresters are being trained in Kinnitty and in the other centre?
That seems to be correct.
How many will qualify this year?
I have not got that information.
How can the Minister be satisfied with the situation when he has not got the details?
I cannot give the Deputy any more details. I will examine the matter to see if there is a need for more foresters. I am informed that there is no such need and that the number coming forward at the end of their training is satisfactory.
Am I to take it that there is no scarcity of foresters at present? My information is to the contrary and that the policy of the Department is not to recruit at present.
The Deputy knows that eight to ten per year are coming forward. The information from my Department is that this is satisfactory.