asked the Minister for Lands and Agriculture if he will state the cause of the delay in having the lands of Reenogreena (Deasy Estate), vested in the Land Commission; if he is aware that agreements to purchase were signed in July, 1906, and if he can indicate when those lands will be vested.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - DEASY ESTATE.
Mr. HOGAN
Proceedings were originally instituted by the owner for the sale of this estate direct to his tenants under the Irish Land Act, 1903, and purchase agreements signed by the parties were lodged with the Land Commission on the 26th October, 1906. The Land Commission, however, owing to the character of the holdings, refused to declare the lands fit to be regarded as an "estate" for the purposes of the Act. Subsequently the Congested Districts Board purchased the estate. Pending the negotiations between the owner and the Board for the purchase of the estate the Land Commission continued to collect interest in lieu of rent from the tenants. It is not considered advisable to resell to the tenants their holdings in their existing condition, and the Land Commission are endeavouring to acquire other lands to be used for the enlargement of the holdings on the estate with a view to fitting them for resale.