asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries if he will state when the lands on the Benison Estate, Ballinaglera, County Leitrim, will be vested in the tenants; and the cause of the delay in vesting of same; also whether this estate has been inspected; and when it is proposed to have the necessary improvements in drainage, road-making, etc., carried out.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral—Answers. - Vesting of Leitrim Estate.
There are two estates under the title of Joseph A. Benison in the parishes of Fenagh and Mohill respectively at present pending before the Land Commission under the Land Act, 1923. The lands comprised therein are Ballycalleen and Stuck. These estates have not yet been reached in their turn of priority to be dealt with under the purchase provisions of the Land Act, 1923, and when they are being dealt with the question of improvement works will be fully investigated.
Have any steps been taken by the Parliamentary Secretary to ensure that the owner of the lands would lodge the necessary papers with the Land Commission so that the vesting order could be proceeded with?
The owner has not lodged the schedule of particulars yet notwithstanding repeated communications from the Land Commission.
Has the Parliamentary Secretary not power to insist that the owner should lodge these papers?
Yes.
Why has he not taken these steps?
He is taking these steps.
In the meantime the tenants have to pay interest in lieu of rent.
The Land Commission cannot do anything further, until the schedule and particulars of rentals are lodged with them.