asked the Minister for Lands if he will increase the staff in the Land Commission offices in Leitrim and Sligo as these two offices are understaffed due to the amount of land acquisition problems which have to be dealt with.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sligo-Leitrim Lands.
8.
As a result of a reorganisation carried out in 1968 the staffing position was improved by the appointment of a second inspector, grade I, to take charge of County Leitrim following the division of the original Sligo/Leitrim area into two separate units—County Sligo and County Leitrim. Five inspectors now operate in each of these counties and this is deemed adequate.
The staffing of the Land Commission is kept under constant review in the light of existing and prospective levels of activity.
If a situation should arise in which increased staffing is thought necessary in this or any other region I will take the appropriate steps.
Does the Minister not consider there is need for a further increase in view of the very keen interest many people are taking in land today? Does he realise that even the inspector in charge has often to go out when the weather is fine and help the present staff to carry out the work that has to be done?
I will have a further look at the situation.
Will the Minister consider doing something for the people in this county?
As I said at the end of my formal reply, I will take the appropriate steps necessary. I will have a further look at it in the light of what the Deputy says.
9.
asked the Minister for Lands the acreage of land in the hands of the Land Commission on 1st April, 1972, awaiting division in (a) County Sligo and (b) County Leitrim.
Land Commission activities in the acquisition and division of land reach a peak around the end of March and there is a time-lag of a few weeks before a net balance as between total intake and total allocation can be struck and final figures for the year arrived at.
If the Deputy puts down a further question towards the end of this month, or communicates with me, I will be able to furnish the information then.