asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries whether the Land Commission propose to acquire and divide the Taylor Estate, Ballinamore Bridge, Co. Galway; and, if so, if it is the intention of the Land Commission to divide those lands this summer.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Taylor Estate (Galway).
Mr. Brodrick
Proceedings were instituted under the provisions of the Land Act, 1923, for the acquisition of the lands of Charlestown or Pollnamucka, Cloonabricka and Castlefrench East, comprising 61a. 0r. 17p. The price offered by the Land Commission for these lands has been accepted by the owner, and a scheme for their division is in course of preparation, but the Land Commission will not be in a position to divide the lands this spring.
Mr. Brodrick
Will the Parliamentary Secretary arrange to set these lands among the adjoining congests pending division?
The Land Commission cannot dispose of the lands or sell them until they have taken over possession of the estate.
Mr. Brodrick
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the greater portion of these lands are occupied presently by a Deputy on the Opposite Benches? Is it the policy of the Land Commission to accommodate wealthy Deputies rather than congests of £2 to £7 valuation, for whom the lands were purchased
I would ask the Deputy to mention the amount of land occupied by a Deputy on the "Opposite Benches" and the amount occupied by others.
indicated dissent.
I think when you accepted his remark that I am entitled to hear the rest of it.
The letting of the land, of course, is entirely a matter for the owner. The Land Commission has nothing to do with it. The Land Commission cannot assume any responsibility for these lands until they take over possession of them.
Mr. Brodrick
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the owner has disposed of all his property with the exception of these lands and is living in a different county? I am led to believe that the lands are set to the 1st April next.
I am not aware of it.
Mr. Brodrick
There are ten tenants with valuations of from £2 to £7, and some of these tenants, by the present setting and occupation of the land, are deprived of it.