asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries whether the Land Commission have yet come to a decision in the matter of the acquisition of the untenanted lands on the Vesey Estate, Dunleckney, Co. Carlow.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Untenanted Lands in Carlow.
The Land Commission have made inquiry into the circumstances of the lands on the Vesey Estate referred to by the Deputy and have decided not to acquire them.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary state on what grounds they decided not to acquire these lands?
They are demesne lands in the first place and are consequently automatically excluded. In the second place Captain Vesey, the owner, is now working these lands.
asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries whether the Land Commission purpose to acquire some of the lands in the neighbourhood of Ballon and Rathoe, Carlow, for the relief of uneconomic holders and suitable labourers in that district.
The question of the retention of certain tenanted holdings in the townlands of Broughillstown, Rathrush and Ardbearn is being considered. The matter has been referred to one of the Land Commission inspectors for report.
asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries whether any progress has been made in the matter of the acquisition of the Rothwell Farm (Bruen Estate), Ballyloughan, Muine Beag, and if he will say when this farm is to be divided.
The holding of Thomas F: Rothwell, containing 79a. 1r. 23p., in the townland of Ballyloughan, on the estate of Henry Bruen, County Carlow, has been retained by the Land Commission under the provisions of Section 28 of the Land Act, 1923. The question of resumption is under consideration by the Land Commission.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary not add anything further to this stereotyped answer which I got two years ago?
No, nothing.
I think that this is substantially the same answer which I got two years ago.
No. If the Deputy will look up the matter I think he will see that very substantial progress has been made since.
asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries whether the 227 acres of untenanted land at Ballinadrum, Lumcloon and Cloghrenan, Co. Carlow, stated by him on 18th June, 1930, to be in process of acquisition by the Land Commission, have yet been acquired; and whether, in preparing schemes of distribution, consideration will be given to the claims of suitable labourers in the areas named.
Prices have been agreed on or fixed with the owners for the acquisition of the lands referred to and schemes for division are in course of preparation. The division of these lands will be carried out in accordance with the provisions of Section 31 of the Land Act, 1923.
I would like to ask what is the position with regard to the last part of my question, whether consideration will be given to the claims of suitable labourers in the district?
I think the Deputy is aware that under the section, labourers come under class D, and actually they are the last to be considered in the distribution of land. The Land Commission is bound to carry out the distribution of land strictly in accordance with the section.
That does not mean that they are necessarily excluded?
Not at all.