asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of the compulsory acquisition of a house in Tulla, Co. Clare, for the Gárda Síochána; that this house was sold by public auction on February 7th last; that a month or so previous to its sale, Mr. Brady Brown, the owner of the house, offered it to the Gárda Síochána and that they rejected it as unsuitable, and if, in consideration of these facts, he will cause the house to be returned to Mr. Reidy, the purchaser.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - ACQUISITION OF CLARE HOUSE.
I have been informed by the Board of Works that the house at Tulla, now occupied by the Gárda Síochána, was not acquired compulsorily as there was no necessity to adopt such a course. This house was formerly held by the British Government, under a yearly tenancy, as a Royal Irish Constabulary barracks, and on the transfer of Government the tenancy was transferred to the Irish Government and the house was occupied first by the National Army and subsequently by the Gárda Síochána. I have been informed that the owner sold it last February, as he was no doubt entitled to do, but he could sell only subject to the existing tenancy. I am satisfied, however, that there was some misunderstanding in the matter with consequent hardship to the purchaser, and I am asking the Board of Works to endeavour to arrive at some amicable arrangement.