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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 4 Mar 1943

Vol. 89 No. 8

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Waller Estate (Offaly).

asked the Minister for Lands to state the reason for the failure of the Land Commission to divide the lands on the Waller estate, Moystown, Belmont, Offaly, this year; the total acreage of land involved; whether the lands were recently let by public auction for tillage and grazing purposes and the conditions, if any, attaching to the lettings, the total acreage let for tillage and grazing purposes, respectively, the net profit to be derived from same by the Commissioners for the period of letting, and whether any undertaking has been given that the persons to whom the land was let will be given first preference for portions of this estate whenever same is being divided.

As the Land Commission only took possession of the Waller estate (comprising 597 acres) on the 2nd of February, 1943, it is not possible to have a scheme prepared for the division of the lands this year. A portion of the lands was recently let by public auction for tillage and grazing on the usual conditions of auction for such lettings—approximately 100 acres for tillage, 349 acres for grazing. The balance of 148 acres of callow land will be let for meadow in due course. It is not possible to state the net profit (if any) derived from letting the lands until the various items of debit and credit are accounted for, but the aim of such lettings is to provide income as a set-off against the interest payable from the appointed day on the land bonds representing the purchase money of the estate. No undertaking has been given that the persons to whom the lands are let will be given preference for allotments on this estate when it comes to be divided.

Will the Minister say whether a public auction was, in fact, held, or whether there was any unauthorised interference by anybody in connection with the activities of the Land Commission officials who were there with the auctioneer to hold the auction? Will he say whether the lands were let by public auction to the highest bidder?

As the Deputy knows, I am answering the question for the Minister for Lands. The question definitely says that "the lands were recently let by public auction".

Will the acting Minister inquire from the Minister for Justice whether there was any unauthorised interference with the Land Commission officials who went there with the auctioneer to hold the auction?

That is a separate question.

In view of what has transpired in connection with this so-called public auction, I propose, with the permission of the Chair, whenever the Minister for Lands is available, to raise this matter on the adjournment.

The Deputy should indicate what question he is going to raise on the adjournment. He has not done so.

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