andMr. Fox asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will now consider the reintroduction of section B of the Land Project; and, if not, why.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Land Project.
26.
No, because I am satisfied that the grants at present available offer a sufficient inducement to farmers to undertake reclamation works which they regard as an economic proposition.
Would the Minister not agree that this gave employment in rural Ireland at a time of the year when employment was needed, that it never was more needed than now, and that it also helped to improve land and to increase production, which is of benefit to the whole country? Would the Minister not reconsider this in view of the fact that in many country areas now people cannot get the dole nor can they get work?
The primary purpose of the land reclamation scheme is, by definition, the reclamation of land. Our primary object, therefore, should be to get the best possible value for the money allocated for this purpose. It has been established beyond any reasonable doubt that the method under section A is the best method of doing this. I have personal knowledge of this and I am sure other Deputies have the same experience.