asked the Minister for Lands and Agriculture whether the Land Commission have inspected the lands of Mr. O'Toole, Rathmoyle, Edenderry, Offaly, with a view to having same acquired under the Land Act. 1923, and, if he can now state what action it is proposed to take in this case.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - ACQUISITION OF LANDS IN OFFALY.
Mr. HOGAN
The question of the acquisition (or otherwise) of the lands of Rathmoyle is under consideration.
Can the Minister say how long the question has been under consideration?
Mr. HOGAN
I would want notice of that.
Are we to understand that when questions are asked Ministers do not read the files connected with the particular matter to which the questions apply?
Mr. HOGAN
I think you are to understand it. The Minister does not read any more of the file than is necessary in order to enable him to answer the question.
I think the Minister knows enough about this particular case to answer the question I have asked.
Mr. HOGAN
I do not.
Then you did not read the file.
asked the Minister for Lands and Agriculture whether the Land Commission have inspected the lands of Robert P. Gill (Joly estate), Ballymacdermot, Clonbullogue, Offaly, with a view to having same acquired and divided amongst the local uneconomic holders and landless men, and if he can now state what action the Land Commission propose to take in the matter.
Mr. HOGAN
The lands of Ballymacdermot, containing 274 acres, have been inspected and were published on the 13th July, 1926, in a provisional list of land which would, if not excluded in consequence of a valid objection, become vested in the Land Commission on the appointed day. The owner objected to the acquisition of these lands. The objection was heard by the Land Commissioners on the 4th November last, but judgment has not yet been given.
asked the Minister for Lands and Agriculture whether the Land Commission have inspected the lands of Mr. Paul Gill, Ballycolgan, Offaly, with a view to having same acquired under the Land Act, 1923, and, if he can now state what action the Land Commission propose to take in this case.
Mr. HOGAN
The lands referred to comprise a holding of 291a. 0r. 23p., in the townland of Ballycolgan, occupied by Paul Alexander Gill as tenant on the estate of Anna F. Gardiner, which is being dealt with under the Land Act, 1923. The Land Commission had the holding inspected, and published the statutory notice under Section 28 of the Act that they proposed to retain the holding on the appointed day with a view to its resumption. The tenant objected to the proposed resumption, and on his objection being heard by the Land Commission it was allowed.