asked the Minister for Lands and Agriculture whether it is intended to introduce an Allotments Bill, and, if so, when.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - ALLOTMENTS BILL.
It is not intended to introduce an Allotments Bill this Session. The present position is that there are far more allotments than applicants for them.
Was there an Allotments Bill promised?
Mr. HOGAN
Yes, certainly, there was an Allotments Bill promised about a year ago, but experience has since proved that for every one applicant there are two or three allotments vacant.
Mr. BYRNE
In view of the fact that some of those who have allotments are being threatened with eviction, would the Minister take steps to safeguard them for this season?
Mr. HOGAN
I am not aware that tenants, if you call them tenants, the people who took allotments at the beginning of the season, are being threatened by the owners with eviction before the crops are taken away, and in the middle of the season. I think that is most unlikely, but I will have inquiries made into the matter.
Does the Minister consider that it is desirable to keep in being the allotments in places where they are, as a matter of fact, occupied and taken up still?
Mr. HOGAN
So far as the country is concerned, there are ample powers under the Land Act which they are exercising to keep in being allotments, and advances are being made to trustees for the purpose of acquiring areas of land which can be let to labourers and other suitable people for allotments. If experience, as we go along, shows the necessity for further legislation, the legislation is there ready.
Mr. BYRNE
I will give the Minister particulars of a case which I have in mind.