asked the Minister for Lands if he will state whether group migration, as a means of relieving congestion, has been abandoned as a policy for land settlement or whether it is only suspended; and, further, if it has been not abandoned, if he will state when the next scheme for Connemara will be prepared.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Group Migration.
I presume the Deputy is referring to the close-down Order which was put into effect by the last Government and which affected not only group migration but every phase of the work of relieving congestion. I have already on several occasions made it clear that that Order was revoked as one of the first acts of the present Government early in 1948.
Group migration is an essential part of the work of relieving congestion and must be continued. It was operated last spring as far as lands on hands permitted and I anticipate a progressive expansion of the scheme in future years as we build up the pool of land for division.
Can the Minister answer the last part of the question as to when the next scheme for Connemara will be prepared?
I cannot answer that.