asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries if he will state (a) the number of cases in which "nulla bona" returns for land annuities were made for each of the years 1925-26 to 1928-29 inclusive, and (b) the distribution of same by counties of the Saorstát, and (c) the total loss incurred by his Department in dealing with such "nulla bona" cases.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Land Annuity Cases.
The particulars asked for as regards parts (a) and (b) are not available in the office of the Land Commission. Separate statisties are not kept as regards the number of cases in which "nulla bona" returns are made in the first instance. In many cases the instalments of annuity and costs are subsequently collected by State Solicitors or by the Collection Branch of the Land Commission.
With regard to part (c) of the question, the costs of proceedings against defaulting tenant purchasers in which returns of "nulla bona" are made by Sheriffs are ultimately recovered out of the proceeds of sale of the holdings or out of the revenue therefrom where the Land Commission are in possession. No part of the loss falls to be borne by the Department.