asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries if the Land Commission resumed the holding of John and James Kenny, of Gortnasoolboy, Lysterfield, Curraghboy, Athlone; and, if so, whether the lands have been allotted to other tenants—giving the dates of resumption and allotment and stating if the tenants are paying annuities on these lands.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - An Athlone Holding.
On the sale of the estate of C. W. Fosberry by the landlord direct to the tenant under the Land Act, 1903, John and James Kenny signed, in 1905, an agreement to purchase a holding, comprising 216a. 1r. 38p. of the lands of Gortnasoolboy and Coolnageer. The holding was vested in fee simple in John and James Kenny jointly on the 8th February, 1906, subject to a land purchase annuity of £76 19s. 10d. There were disputes between John and James Kenny as to the payment of the instalments of annuity, and legal proceedings had to be taken for their recovery. Owing to the continued non-payment of the instalments, the Land Commission were obliged to put up the holding for sale by public auction in December, 1921, but the sale proved abortive and the Land Commission took possession of the holding in February, 1926, under an order made by the Judicial Commissioner, pursuant to Section 65 of the Land Act, 1903. In the same year the Land Commission put into operation a scheme of letting of the lands at rents to six persons, one of whom was James Kenny, the former co-tenant, the others including a son of John Kenny, the other co-tenant (who had died) and a nephew of the former co-tenants, as well as a sub-tenant on the holding, and two neighbouring tenants of holdings under £10 valuation. These allottees have signed agreements for "lettings for temporary convenience" and (with one exception) are paying their rents satisfactorily. The question of the permanent disposal of the land is under consideration.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that although the Land Commission has possession of these lands since 1926 —that is four years ago—it is still retaining them on the defaulting annuitants' list of the County Roscommon, and has withheld grants to the extent of four years' annuity from the Roscommon County Council?
Yes, I am aware of that.
And when does he propose to adjust it?
As soon as we dispose of certain legal difficulties that are in the way at the moment.
Is it not a fact that the Land Commission make adjustments every year in February?
Yes.
And that the County Council are allowed a refund by way of grants to the extent of the amounts paid in the meantime?
Yes, but these lands are not subject to annuities at the moment or since 1926.
But they are charged up to date against the County Council.
There has been no charge against the County Council since 1926.