asked the Minister for Lands and Agriculture if he can state the present position of the Land Commission regarding the proposed acquisition and division of the King Estate (600 acres), Ferbane, Offaly; whether he is aware that only about ten acres of the estate is under tillage, giving employment to seven labourers (some of whom are now threatened with dismissal); and whether, in view of the acute distress amongst the exceptionally large number of uneconomic holders and landless men in the district, he will take steps to see that the lands in question are divided during the course of the next month or two, or explain why he is unable to do so.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - DIVISION OF KING ESTATE (OFFALY).
Mr. HOGAN
The Land Commission have had the King Estate, Ferbane, Offaly, inspected, but proceedings for the acquisition of this estate under the provisions of the 1923 Land Act have been held over pending the acquisition and disposal of adjoining lands. The lands of a Co-operative Society adjoin, and it would be much more convenient to divide both estates together.
Could the Minister give any information as to when that is likely to take place, in view of the fact that the co-operative land case has been in hands for the last two years?
Mr. HOGAN
Proposals have been made to the Minister for Finance in connection with this case, and when decisions have been come to the Land Commission will give effect to these immediately.
Does the Minister consider that ten acres of tillage are sufficient to keep seven labourers employed?
Mr. HOGAN
That question should be addressed to the Minister for Industry and Commerce.