asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware that a great number of forestry workers in South Tipperary are being discharged and that many of them have given long service and have no alternative employment, and, if so, if he will state the reasons for discharging these men, and if he will take steps to have them re-employed immediately.

The normal seasonal reduction of staff following the completion of the planting programmes has taken place in South Tipperary as elsewhere. In the forests concerned the staff of 384 men in the South Tipperary area was reduced by 33 to 351 men as compared with 344 at the corresponding period last year. Normally only short-term or less proficient workers are let go at such times, but if the Deputy has any particular case in mind and will let me have details I will inquire into it.

asked the Minister for Lands if he will state in respect of County Tipperary (a) the number of acres held by the Forestry Division of his Department, and (b) the number of workers employed.

The total area held by the Forestry Division in County Tipperary on 1st April, 1956, was 28,993 acres. The number of men at present employed is 457.