asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware of the great hardship caused to persons awaiting the final disbursement of the funds by the undue delay in disposing of the case of the Reps. Forbes estate; and if the Minister will state the number of cases outstanding where a brief inspection would be sufficient to dispose of them.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Disbursement of Estate Funds.
The question of revesting in the tenant the holding comprising the estate to which the Deputy refers is receiving attention, and when the vesting order has been published and the time for objecting thereto has expired the matter of obtaining an order for the release of the guarantee deposit will be considered.
As regards the second part of the question (assuming this to refer to the release of guarantee deposits) it is not possible, without a detailed investigation, to state the number of cases where a brief inspection would be sufficient to dispose of them, and in view of the emergency conditions it is not practicable to make such an investigation at the present time.
The release of guarantee deposits is linked with the revesting of holdings and the practice is at all times to revest as many holdings as circumstances permit. Though the number of revestings can only be small at present, such revestings as are possible are being effected, and wherever all the holdings on an estate are revested the question of obtaining an order to release the guarantee deposit is taken up.
I understand that this estate was vested five years ago and that this is really only a question of waiting for inspection. The estate is in the neighbourhood of Santry and a visit from an inspector would probably only occupy about an hour. I ask the Minister if, in these circumstances, it is fair to have a delay of five years?
I think the Deputy is under a misapprehension when he thinks that it was merely a matter of vesting in these cases. There were certain superior interests which had to be dealt with, as I think I explained to the Deputy on a former occasion. Everything possible is being done to expedite the matter.
Does the Minister see any prospect of its being disposed of in the near future?
I shall communicate with the Deputy.