asked the Minister for Lands and Agriculture if he can state the present position of the Land Commission regarding the acquisition of the lands of Mr. Smith and other untenanted lands at Kilmurray, Fairfield, Rathdrum, and Derrygrogan, Offaly; when these lands were originally inspected, and if, and when, an offer for same was made to the owner or owners and accepted; whether he has received a resolution from the Kilmurray (Daingean) Branch of Cumann na nGaedheal on the matter; and whether he will instruct the Land Commission to expedite the acquisition and division of these lands.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - ACQUISITION OF OFFALY LANDS.
Mr. HOGAN
The Land Commission have had inquiries made as regards the lands of Kilmurray, Fairfield, Rathdrum and Derrygrogan. The lands of Kilmurray comprise two holdings, occupied respectively by Mrs. J.W. Smyth and James Smith, on the estate of William Going, which is being dealt with under the Land Act, 1923. The lands of Fairfield, Derrygrogan Beg and Little and Rathdrum have been purchased by the respective tenants thereof under former Land Purchase Acts and hence come under the provisions of Section 24 of the Land Act. 1923, as one of the exceptions mentioned therein. A communication was received from the Kilmurray Branch, Cumann na nGaedheal with reference to these lands.
Is the Minister aware that a threat has been made by the peaceful and constitutional organisation supporting the Government Party that if the lands were not divided on 31st January, they would not be responsible for the peace of the district?
Mr. HOGAN
I do not like to say what I think of that interference on the part of Deputy Davin.