asked the Minister for Lands whether he has received representations from uneconomic holders and landless men in the area of Moone, County Kildare, regarding the acquisition and division of lands by the Land Commission, and if he will state whether it is proposed to acquire and divide any lands, in that area; and, if so, what lands, and when they are likely to be acquired and divided.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Land Division in Co. Kildare.
Representations have been made to the Land Commission for the acquisition and division of lands in the Moone area. The Land Commission have instituted proceedings for the acquisition of six estates in that area, particulars of which have been already given to the Deputy in reply to his previous question of the 7th April, 1938. At the present stage of the proceedings it is not possible to state whether or when any of these estates will be acquired for division.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, will he say whether these proceedings are taking their normal course, or will any steps be taken to expedite the proceedings in view of the emergency situation?
The Deputy is aware that a certain number of cases have been held up pending the passage of legislation through the Oireachtas. When the legislation has been implemented, five of the six cases in question, which are the subject of objections to acquisition, will have to be heard by the Commissioners, and in the sixth case the question of continuing the proceedings is under consideration. The position generally with regard to Land Commission proceedings is that it is the intention to continue with those proceedings in respect of which commitments have already been entered into.
Is it intended not to proceed with acquisition proceedings or resumption proceedings where commitments have not been entered into?
It will not be possible for the Land Commission to undertake fresh inspection or acquisition work for some time unless, of course, in special cases where land may be urgently needed for rearrangement of holdings or the relief of bad congestion. There is a very large amount of acquisition work in hands and this will occupy the attention of the Land Commission for a considerable time to come. The division of lands already acquired, or about to be acquired, will, of course, go on without interruption.
May we take it that there will be no new inspection work undertaken with a view to acquisition and division?
Not for the present, at any rate.
Is that due, as stated by a certain Fianna Fáil Deputy, to a shortage of money?
Ministers are not answerable for the statements of Fianna Fáil or other Deputies.
That is a good job.