asked the Minister for Lands if he will state the number of persons in (a) County Meath, and (b) County Westmeath who have failed to occupy the dwelling houses erected for them on holdings of land allocated to them by the Land Commission, and what further action he proposes taking in regard to such persons.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Occupation of Land Commission Houses.
The information which the Deputy desires is not available. The Land Commission have not found it practicable in present circumstances to undertake complete investigation by counties of the usership by allottees of their holdings and the houses thereon. In cases where the Land Commission have ascertained that dwelling houses are unoccupied by the allottees, steps are taken to compel the proper occupation of the houses, or, in default, to recover possession. The Land Commission inspectors have instructions to report all cases of houses unoccupied by allottees which come under their notice, and the allottees are warned that unless they enter into proper occupation within a specified period the Land Commission will take back the houses and lands. These warnings are frequently effective without necessity for further action, but the Land Commission are determined to enforce them if need be.
Is the Minister not aware that he furnished me, some short time ago, with a list of the derelict holdings in several counties, including Meath and Westmeath, and will he say whether he is not personally acquainted with the contents of that list, which proves that there is a certain number of persons who received land in the counties Meath and Westmeath who have not entered into possession and who have not paid their annuities? Will the Minister say why, and what steps are being taken in the matter?
I have nothing to add to my answer.
Will the Minister read the information he supplied to me before the adjournment of the House and relate it to the answer he has given to-day?