asked the Minister for Lands and Agriculture whether he is aware that John Ennis, Cloncurry, Enfield, Co. Kildare, who was employed by Lord Cloncurry on the grazing farm of Ballinakill (Cloncurry Estate), for the last ten years, is unemployed since the 26th January, 1926, the date on which the Land Commission took over possession of the farm, and whether he will ask the Commissioners to consider this man's claim for a parcel of land to enable him to provide for his family, as there is no other employment available in the neighbourhood.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - CLONCURRY ESTATE, CO. KILDARE.
The Land Commission are at present carrying out improvement works by direct labour, and under contract on the Cloncurry Estate preparatory to its division. John Ennis, it is understood, has been employed on the contract work, but is at present unemployed. If he is willing to work he will be re-employed and his employment will continue so long as he gives satisfaction. The Land Commission are aware that John Ennis has been employed on these lands previous to their purchase. His application for land will be duly considered.
Is the Minister aware that Ennis was never employed for three weeks since January, and that that is not a great deal of employment in six months? Further, is the Minister aware that Ennis has a reference from Lord Cloncurry stating that he has been a general labourer employed on the estate for ten years, and that he is willing to recommend him for work?
As I have already said, his claim will be considered, and, meanwhile, he will get work.