asked the Minister for Lands and Agriculture if he will state why John Cleary and Michael Gaynor, both married men with large families, living on, and by the lands known as Ratten and Clonfad Westmeath, which were allotted on 2nd June, 1926, by the Land Commission, did not receive lots of land; if he is aware, it is stated, that parcels of land on the lands mentioned have been given to two old persons without dependents, of seventy and eighty years of age, and that Thomas Cleary, who lives in Co. Meath, was allotted two parcels, and whether, under these circumstances, he will have the question of the distribution of these lands reconsidered.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - DISTRIBUTION OF WESTMEATH LANDS.
SEAN O LAIDHIN
John Cleary and Michael Gaynor are labourers residing in rural district council cottages in the townland of Rattin, and are not persons coming within the provisions of Class D, Section 31 (1) of the Land Act, 1923.
The old persons referred to by the Deputy are Patrick and John Cunningham. Patrick is tenant of a holding, the Poor Law valuation of which is only £5 10s., and his brother John resides with him. No person named Thomas Cleary received a parcel of land.
Is the Minister aware that an old maid of 75 years of age has received a parcel of this land, and does he think it fair to give this land to an old maid with no possible chance of ever having an heir in preference to a man with a family who is working on the estate for 27 years?
Mr. HOGAN
I am glad to know the Deputy believes that no owner of an uneconomic holding of £5 valuation should get land if he is over a certain age.
No.
Mr. HOGAN
That is what the Deputy said.
Will the Minister have the question of the distribution of this land reconsidered with a view to giving the land to people who are able to work it? Land has been given to three old people there who are not able to work it.
Mr. HOGAN
Two.
Three. You have two brothers. I do not know whether the Minister wants to get the old bachelor and the old maid together.