asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware of the grave shortage of suitable housing which exists among State foresters; and that only two houses were built by his Department for foresters last year; and if he will now take steps to ensure that more houses of better quality are provided for foresters without further delay.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Housing for State Foresters.
11.
Eighty-one foresters are provided with official residences and this number is being expanded as opportunity permits, to meet the needs of the rapidly increasing forestry personnel. At the moment there are four new houses in course of construction, contracts have been placed in respect of three more, and some private houses are the subject of negotiation for purchase.
The Minister appreciates that there are, in all, 163 foresters. I assume that the Department or the Minister has responsibility for providing houses for these people. I think the Minister said there are 83 official houses for these foresters. When does he contemplate that the full need will be filled?
There are, in fact, in this rapidly expanding service, 339 foresters.
I meant married foresters.
There are 172 of these and those of them who have not houses are getting allowances. Residences are being provided to meet the demand as quickly as this job can be done. It is long-term.
Would the Minister be able to say what net improvement there might be in, say, one year or in the next two years?
All I can give is the present position which I have already given, that is, that four new houses are under construction, that contracts have been placed for three more and that where suitable private houses are available in an area the Department tries to purchase them. In some of these areas, it is not easy to get suitable houses that would be convenient to the forests in question.
In how many cases are there negotiations for private houses?
There are a number at the moment.