asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware that the sheriff officers in Meath are at present pressing for payment of land annuities and, in view of the impossibility of farmers meeting these charges owing to the suspension of fairs and markets, whether he will arrange that these demands be suspended during the present crisis pending an examination of the whole question of the farmers' losses due to the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Demands for Land Annuities.
It is the duty of the sheriff in County Meath, as elsewhere, to secure payment wherever possible when warrants are issued to him for collection of arrears of land purchase annuities. I understand that in County Meath at the moment the court messenger calls on defaulters with a view to the collection of the arrears due and that if payment is not made, further action is deferred. The Deputy will be aware that seizures cannot be made having regard to the present restrictions on the movements of cattle in that county.