asked the Minister for Lands if he will state the number of (1) uneconomic holders, (2) cottage tenants, (3) landless men and others, living near the Kelly estate, Ballymeelish, Ballybrophy, County Laoighis, who made application for and received portions of the estate; whether he has received strong protests from the local people against the decision of the commissioners to provide holdings and houses for three migrants, whether the later have taken possession of the land and are working it; also the total acreage of the land divided, and the total acreage allotted to the three migrants; and whether he proposes to revise the present division scheme.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Settlement of Migrants in Laoighis.
Only a portion of the Kelly estate at Ballymeelish has yet been allotted, the remainder being still in the hands of the Land Commission. Of the 89 acres so far allotted, some 19 acres have been given as enlargements of three existing uneconomic holdings, some 35 acres to provide a holding for a former employee on the estate, some 21 acres given in exchange to a neighbouring smallholder and some 14 acres given as accommodation plots for a cottage tenant and two other persons. Representations have been received protesting against the introduction of migrants in the division of this estate.
Is it a fact that the migrants have refused to take possession of the land offered to them in this case?
That is a separate question.
Is it also a fact, having a bearing on the reply to the previous question, that the Minister has refused to receive a deputation consisting of the Deputies for the constituency and some local people who are applicants for land on this estate?
I have answered in reply to a question on the Order Paper that the matter of receiving a deputation is still under consideration.
Is it a fact that the Minister has already refused to receive a deputation?
Yes, but the Minister may change his mind.
Good.
Or he may not.