asked the Minister for Lands if he will give the names and locations of estates in County Dublin (a) acquired by the Land Commission; (b) in course of acquisition, and (c) the acquisition of which is contemplated, for sub-division among uneconomic holders and landless men.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Acquisition of County Dublin Estates.
The statistical returns of the Land Commission show that, under the Land Acts, 1923-33, in County Dublin, to date (a) 39 estates, comprising a total area of 7,664 acres, have been acquired by the Land Commission for division; (b) 30 estates, comprising 5,265 acres, are in definite course of acquisition (that is to say, they have reached the stage of gazetting or the making of an offer for purchase); (c) 69 estates, comprising 11,768 acres, have been inspected, or referred for inspection, as to suitability and price, but have not yet reached a further stage. It is not the practice of the Land Commission to supply information as to the names and location of estates dealt with or in process of acquisition. Apart from other objections, the resulting diversion of the Land Commission staff from the much more urgent work of land division is not desirable.
I suggest, Sir, that that is not a reply at all, that it is a refusal to answer the question I have put. I asked for the names and locations of the estates, and he has not given them. He said definitely that he would not. I wrote to the Land Commission for this information three weeks ago, and I got no reply. Then when I put down a question as a public representative I am refused an answer. How are the public to get information in these circumstances?
Dr. Ryan
The Deputies for the county will get it.
Is this a deliberate act on the part of the Government to prevent people who are not in their political organisations applying for this land? I suggest it is. I suggest that it is absolute proof that the land is being acquired and sub-divided for the political camp followers of the Government and nobody else, and that information in regard to these estates is deliberately withheld.
The Deputy is not asking a supplementary question.
I desire to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the adjournment, as the question has not been answered.