asked the Minister for Lands what has been the average number of forestry workers employed by his Department in County Wexford in each of the past four years.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wexford Forestry Employment.
70.
The average numbers of men in direct employment at the Wexford Forests in the years in question were as follows:— 1958/59—255; 1959/1960—240; 1960/61—234 and 1961/62 (to date)—230.
Can the Minister say what the reason is for the drop in employment?
The main reason is scarcity of land on the acquisition side.
The Minister is, of course, aware that the price he offers for land for forestry purposes is fantastically low.
The type of land required for afforestation purposes is fantastically bad.
It would want to be very bad for £6 or £7 per acre.