asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he will take an early decision on the question of disposing of 38 acres of land adjacent to Galway Harbour which are owned by his Department; and if he will ensure that a substantial portion of these lands is allocated to Galway Harbour Commisioners to assist in their efforts to promote trade through Galway Harbour.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Disposing of Galway Land.
3.
(Cavan-Monaghan): The question of disposal of the lands acquired by the State at Lough Atalia, Galway, is at present under examination and in this connection the request of the Galway Harbour Commisioners for portion of the lands will be considered if it should be decided to dispose of the property.
Will the Minister ensure that a decision is made on this matter at an early date? I understand that he is free to dispose of these lands now since his predecessor transferred the major fishery harbour designation from Galway to Rossaveal in May. The matter is of great importance for the future development of Galway Harbour and employment prospects in that area.
(Cavan-Monaghan): It would be my wish to dispose of the lands but I am sure the Deputy is aware that it is necessary to consult Departments other than my own. Some queries are still outstanding but I will expedite the matter.
Is it true that those other Departments were consulted quite some time ago? They should have had ample time to make their views known to the Minister's Department. Will the Minister indicate the Departments, if any, that have not made their views known on this matter to his Department?
(Cavan-Monaghan): What the Minister has said may or may not be so but the Minister will appreciate that I am only responsible for any delay that has taken place within a very short time.
It is 18 months since the Deputy was a Minister.
Deputy Fitzpatrick is the Minister now.
I am just reminding the House that it is 18 months since Deputy Molloy was a Minister.
(Cavan-Monaghan): I should like to tell the Deputy that there are some queries outstanding and reminders will be sent to the Department, or Departments, concerned and there will be no further avoidable delay.
The Minister indicated that the matter was under consideration by his Department but I should like to know how long it has been under consideration by the Department.
(Cavan-Monaghan): It appears that it was at least under consideration during the life of the last Government.
And under the previous Government, if it comes to that.
Why did Deputy Molloy not ask that question two months ago?
Will the Minister indicate the Departments that have not made their views known on this matter?
The Department of Finance?
(Cavan-Monaghan): No. The Department of Transport have not yet replied. That is an important Department.
Ceist 4.
In the interests of fair play I should like to ask the new Minister——
I am sorry but I have moved to Question No. 4. In the interests of fair play I have moved on to No. 4.
——seeing that he has passed the buck backwards if he would co-operate with the House to the extent of making it aware where the delays have taken place?
Will the Minister please move to Question No. 4?
(Cavan-Monaghan): I must obey the Chair.