asked the Minister for Lands how many conacre and grazing lettings, respectively, were made by the Forestry Division of his Department at Ross Hill last year; whether 20 of those who had conacre have been refused tillage plots this year, and offered grazing instead; whether the reduced number of tillage plots is being provided on inferior quality land, and whether the rents are being considerably increased; and, if so, if he will investigate the matter with a view to restoring the facilities provided last year.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Forestry Division Lettings.
The number of conacre lettings made by the Forestry Division at Ross Hill, Cong Forest, last year was 27. The question of renewing the lettings has been receiving my active consideration since it was brought to my notice on Sunday last.
Arising out of the question, could the Minister say how soon this matter will be brought to finality, as the plot holders want to make preparations for their spring work almost immediately?
It was only on Sunday last that I became aware of this and I want to tell the Deputy that the plot holders have conacre plots for 14 years so that the plots they are using are practically exhausted because farmyard manure has not been supplied to them except in a few cases. I am trying to come to an alternative arrangement with them whereby they might get fresh land in a neighbouring estate and I hope to be able to do that for them by the end of the week.
The Minister is aware that the Forestry Division were made aware a fortnight or three weeks ago of the dissatisfaction of the tenants at the new arrangements proposed for this year and that a protest on their behalf was made with a view to improving the position?
The tenants have no reason at all to be discontented with their lot. I might point out to the Deputy that as well as the 21 acres of conacre used by the 27 tenants in that particular field, there were 82 acres over which they had free grazing. The conacre lettings were scattered in small bits but they had the whole of the 21 acres for conacre and 82 acres of free grazing.
Is the Minister not aware that 14 of them are being refused tillage accommodation this year?
He is not so aware and such is not the case.
Will the Minister make inquiries?
There is no need for me to make inquiries. I know all these people and I know all about them because I met them last Sunday.
Will the Minister say whether there were 33 lettings last year and that there are only 19 this year?
There were only 27 agreements signed last year, but it is quite possible that some of them had more than one plot. In Kilbeg Upper and in Kilbeg some of them were badly in need of it and I do not want to make things harder for them, but on the other hand the tenants should try to meet us.