asked the Minister for Lands and Agriculture if he will state what progress has been made by the Land Commission in the acquisition of the lands of Parsonstown, Carbury, Co. Kildare, comprising about 400 acres, recently held on the eleven months' system by the late Mr. B. I. Eivers; further, whether the Department received a list of the names of local congest-applicants from the Secretary of the Carbury Branch of the Back to the Land Association about twelve months ago, and, if so, whether he will state the reason for not sending an acknowledgment to the secretary.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - ACQUISITION OF KILDARE LANDS.
The question of the acquisition of the lands on the Eivers Estate is at present under consideration.
A communication regarding this estate was received in February, 1925, with a list of 40 names and was noted for consideration. There was nothing in the communication to show by whom it was sent, and it was therefore not possible to issue an acknowledgment.
Is the Minister aware that on the 19th February, 1925, he stated in a reply to me that the Land Commission were having the lands inspected, and would he now explain the reason for the delay in acquiring this land—a delay of nearly two years?
Mr. HOGAN
It is simply that you cannot acquire all the land of the country in two years.
This is very suitable land for acquisition, and it has been lying there idle.
He received representations from the Landlords' Association.
asked the Minister for Lands and Agriculture if he will state what progress has been made by the Land Commission in acquiring the lands of Killmalum, Kennycourt, Horsepasstown, and Tulfaris, comprising about one thousand three hundred acres, on the estate of Mr. Edward Hornidge, in the Ballymore-Eustace area, Co. Kildare; and whether those lands will be ready for allotment amongst the local congest-applicants early in the new year, so that they can make timely arrangements for sowing their crops.
Mr. HOGAN
The lands referred to have been inspected and the question of their acquisition is at present under consideration.
asked the Minister for Lands and Agriculture if the Land Commission propose to acquire for the relief of congestion the lands of Nurney Demesne, in the electoral division of Nurney, Co. Kildare, comprising about two hundred and sixty-six acres, on the estate of Mr. William Hanley, and whether he can expedite acquisition and division of those lands.
Mr. HOGAN
The Land Commission are making inquiries as to the suitability of the lands referred to for acquisition under the provisions of the Land Act.
asked the Minister for Lands and Agriculture if the Land Commissioners have yet given judgment respecting the owner's objection to the acquisition of the lands of Morristown-Billar, on the Taylor Estate, near Newbridge, Co. Kildare, for the relief of congestion, and whether he will expedite division of those untenanted lands amongst the numerous congests in the locality.
Mr. HOGAN
The owner's objection to the acquisition by the Land Commission of the lands of Morristown-Billar as untenanted land was allowed by the Judicial Commissioner on appeal.
The ranchers win again every time.
Mr. HOGAN
Might I point out to the Deputy that even though the Judicial Commissioner allowed the objection that, nevertheless, the lands are now gazetted as tenanted land for acquisition, and were gazetted previously as untenanted land.