asked the Minister for Lands if he will expedite the provision of shelters and protective clothing for forestry workers in the North Tipperary forestry centres.

I am not aware that the shelter-supply position in any of the North Tipperary forests is inadequate. It is the practice of my Department to carry out an annual survey of shelter requirements as well as to investigate any complaints that the shelters are not adequate at any particular forest.

It is not the practice to provide protective clothing for Forestry workers other than rubber boots which are supplied to men working in drains or on water-logged ground.