asked the Minister for Defence whether he is aware that 300 acres of the lands of Billerough, Kilworth, County Cork, held by him, have been let to grazing on the eleven months' system; whether there have been numerous unsuccessful applications by small holders for portion of the lands; whether a grazing letting for a portion of the land was made, with his authority, to a farmer already possessing 150 acres, and whether he will offer to the Minister for Lands the lands in question for the purpose of giving effect to the tillage policy of the Government.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Letting of County Cork Lands.
So far as military requirements may permit, lands held under the administration of my Department are let by public competition. In accordance with this policy the 303 acres of the Billerough training area have been let for grazing and tillage annually. The area is not let as one lot but divided into eight holdings.
These lettings are advertised annually and made to the highest bidder in accordance with the provisions of the State Lands Act, 1924, and are therefore made by the Minister for Finance with the authority and consent of the Oireachtas. I have no information of a letting to a farmer already possessing 150 acres. Having regard to the exigencies of present military requirements, I could not undertake to consider the suggestion in the final part of the question at this stage.
Will the Minister promise to look into it again later?
I could not undertake to do that just now, at any rate.