asked the Minister for Lands if the Forestry Section of his Department are finding it increasingly difficult to acquire land for planting purposes; and if he is aware that one of the main factors affecting this position is the unrealistic price per acre offered.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Forestry Land Price.
32.
The Forestry Division of my Department is not finding it increasingly difficult to acquire lands for planting purposes. As regards the price per acre offered, a new system of land valuation has been in use in the Forestry Division for some time, and under this system the range of prices being paid is much wider than it was some years ago. Any vendor now offering land to the Forestry Division can expect a fair market price.
The payment of better prices and other changes my Department has introduced to expedite land acquisition have brought about an upward trend in the rate of acquisition.
What is the ceiling price?
I am afraid I have not got that.
How much cash, rather than land bonds, is being paid.
That is a separate question.
I have not got that information.
Would the Minister agree that consultations might be necessary with the Department of Justice to arrange some form of legisation to accelerate the handing over of lands by private persons to the Forestry Division? In many cases, because of delays in having the title completed, it takes years before these people are paid. Would the Minister think such discussion would be of any benefit?
I think that something of that nature is being discussed at the moment by the Minister: I am, however, not certain of that.