asked the Minister for Lands if he will state in exercise of what powers conferred by what statute and section thereof, and for what purpose the Irish Land Commission resumed the holding of J.J. Hession comprising the lands of Coolbawn, Bowden Estate, County Mayo.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Mayo Lands.
asked the Minister for Lands if he will state in the exercise of what powers, if any, and how conferred on them, did the Irish Land Commission sell for cash parts of the resumed holding of J.J. Hession at Coolbawn, Bowen Estate, County Mayo, to a medical practitioner and two primary school teachers, though such parts so sold were lands suitable for the relief of congestion, and what were their reasons for not utilising such parts of the said resumed holding for the relief of congestion.
I propose to take together the Deputy's two questions relative to the resumed holding of J.J. Hession, comprising 127a. Or. 10p. of the lands of Coolaghbaun on the Bowen Estate, County Mayo. The holding was resumed by the Land Commission under the powers conferred by Section 29 of the Land Act, 1923, and Section 31 of the Land Act, 1933, for the purpose of the relief of congestion. The main part of the holding was allotted to or reserved for allotments to migrants who surrendered holdings elsewhere for purposes of division. A herd on the farm had also to be provided for. The small remaining area was divided into two accommodation plots sold for advances and three accommodation plots sold for cash to local residents who needed them as cow plots. The circumstances of the allottees and the other applicants were fully considered by the Land Commission before approval of the scheme for division of the lands.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary suggest that giving a holding of land to a doctor and two teachers is relieving congestion?
These people were only given accommodation plots or cow plots.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary suggest that eight acres of prime land is a cow plot?
It is a two cow-plot.
May I further point out to the Parliamentary Secretary that he described them as building sites in an answer a short time ago and that they have changed into cow plots to-day?
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that acute congestion exists in that district and that there are quite a number of uneconomic holders whose valuations range from £3 to £5 within half a mile of this land, yet he has given land to a doctor and schoolmasters?
I am not aware of that.
It was not given to a district justice as it was under the Cumann na nGaedheal Government.
Two wrongs do not make a right.
May I ask the Parliamentary Secretary by what authority did the Land Commission sell these cow plots when they acquired the land for the relief of congestion? That is part of my question which he has not answered. I am so perfectly dissatisfied with the Parliamentary Secretary's answers, or rather with his silence, that I shall raise the question. with your permission, a Chinn Comhairle, on the adjournment.