andMr. T. Lynch asked the Minister for Lands if the Forestry Section of his Department will immediately extend its operations in the Portlaw area, County Waterford, in order that the unprecedented unemployment in that area may be relieved.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Extension of Forestry Operations in Portlaw (Waterford).
90.
There is no reserve of land available for planting in the Portlaw district and the volume of general management and maintenance work (including work on forest road construction) at the Forest properties in the district is at the highest possible level. The amount of work available is sufficient only to permit of the continued employment of the men at present engaged. Recruitment of additional staff would result in the rapid depletion of work reserves and would almost certainly lead to redundancy among the existing staff in a short time. In the circumstances, I regret that it would not be practicable to take on additional men in the area in the immediate future.
Is the Minister aware that during the term of office of his predecessor a situation arose in Portlaw identical to the situation that now exists there of great unemployment? His predecessor allocated a special sum of £5,000 for extra work to be done. I respectfully ask the Minister to look into this matter because this village is very hard hit.
It may well be that at the time to which the Deputy refers certain development works were ready to be proceeded with. As I assured the Deputy and his colleagues when I met the deputation yesterday evening, I intend personally to look into this matter this week but I have not yet had an opportunity to do so.
I am satisfied with that answer.