asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware that Mr. John Hutchinson was employed as a steward for many years on the Conlon estate, Thornton, Dunlavin, prior to its recent acquisition by the Land Commission, and if he will state whether a holding on the estate has already been given to a person who was not employed on the estate, and whether it is proposed to provide Mr. Hutchinson with a holding on the estate.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Division of Dunlavin Lands.
The Land Commission acquired only portion of the lands of Mrs. Conlon, who retained an area of some 150 acres and also retained the services of Mr. Hutchinson thereon. Accordingly, he was not allotted a holding on the lands acquired by the Land Commission. It is understood that Mrs. Conlon subsequently sold the lands retained by her to a private purchaser, but the Land Commission are not at present informed whether Mr. Hutchinson is employed by this purchaser. The matter is being investigated.
I would like to tell the Minister that Mr. Hutchinson has, in fact, lost his job, following the acquisition of the estate by the Land Commission. I hope the Minister will take steps to ensure that he will get consideration in the matter of the allocation of these lands.
Yes, but we have first of all to get full information.