asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware that in 1935, 19,510 acres of land were divided in County Galway, and that in 1936 only 6,130 acres were divided in the same county, and if he will give an explanation as to the reason for the falling off in the division of land in this county during the latter year.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Falling off in Land Division in Galway.
Mr. Boland
The area of untenanted land divided in County Galway in the year 1935 was exceptionally large owing to the circumstance that some big estates (including large tracts of rough grazing land) were then available for distribution. A comparison of the 6,130 acres divided in County Galway in the year 1936 with the corresponding areas divided in the years 1933 and 1934 (6,788 acres and 7,957 acres respectively) shows that 6,000 to 7,000 acres represent the normal annual area for division in the county in recent years. It is becoming increasingly difficult to acquire big areas of untenanted land suitable for distribution, but every effort is being made by the Land Commission to obtain the best possible results.
Mr. Brodrick
Arising out of the Minister's answer, is he not aware that as late as last Sunday two Deputies of his own Party condemned both the Government and the Land Commission for not dividing more land in County Galway? Is he aware that they condemned them for not expediting the acquisition and distribution of land? In fact, one of the Deputies stated on a public platfrom that they were not going to stand it any longer, that it was a disgrace, and they were afraid the people would not vote for them.
Mr. Boland
I am aware of what the Deputy says, but I just want to tell him that there are unreasonable people in our Party as well as in other Parties.