asked the Minister for Agriculture whether, in accordance with the promises given, it is intended to introduce in the present Session of An Dáil an Allotments Bill or, as an alternative, to amend the Land Bill in Committee by a clause or clauses, that will meet the requirements of the Irish Allotment Holders.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. [ORAL ANSWERS.] - ALLOTMENT HOLDERS.
Under the terms of Clause 52 of the Land Bill Urban District Councils may act as trustees for the purchase of parcels of land to be used for tillage purposes. By means of this power the demand for allotments may be met in the case of small towns. The provision of land for allotments in Dublin, Cork and other large urban centres presents a different problem and is not one which is suitable for being dealt with in the Land Bill, as there will, as a rule, at these centres be no question of the acquisition of the fee-simple of the lands which may be required. The needs of these centres is a matter for the Minister of Local Government, who has the matter under consideration.
Mr. BYRNE
I would like to ask the Minister whether any promises were made to the Dublin Union of Plot Holders that they would be considered in the present Land Bill, and whether he will take steps to satisfy them.
I do not think that any promises were made in connection with the present Land Bill.
Mr. BYRNE
Will any steps be taken to look after the interests of the Dublin Plot Holders?
As I have pointed out, the problem so far as it concerns centres like Dublin and Cork, is a problem for the Minister for Local Government, who has the matter under consideration.