asked the Minister for Lands and Agriculture whether the Land Commission has purchased all or any of the estates of H.V. McNamara in Co. Clare; and, if so, what estates, or if that Department is in negotiation for the purchase of all or any of that owner's estates in Co. Clare.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - CO. CLARE ESTATES.
The Land Commission have instituted proceedings for the acquisition of 1,146 acres of untenanted lands in the Doolin district on this estate under Section 24 of the Land Act, 1923, and have also instituted similar proceedings for acquisition of 165 acres of the demesne lands at Ennistymon, but the lands have not yet been acquired by the Land Commission.
Mr. HOGAN
Has the Land Commission considered the desirability of deducting from the money to be paid to this landlord the amount of income tax due, instead of seizing, for the payment of income tax, the stock belonging to other people that might stray on the lands?
The trouble is that in addition to income tax there are rates due, and the Clare County Council have refused to sue this man for the rates.
Mr. HOGAN
Has the Land Commission refused the Clare Co. Council to deduct the entire rates from the money to be paid to this landlord?
A number of charges might be made against the Clare Co. Council. The members of the Co. Council are hardly children, and they are aware that the Land Commission cannot deduct rates which the Co. Council are unable to prove are due. The Co. Council have refused to sue Mr. McNamara for the rates. If they sue him and get a decree, then the Land Commission can act. The Co. Council know that quite well.
Mr. HOGAN
Does the Land Commission know that a person must be in immediate enjoyment of the place in order to be in a position to be sued for the rates? Has the Minister considered the desirability of dealing in his forthcoming Land Bill with such cases?
That is new law as far as I am aware.
Mr. HOGAN
Look it up.