asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that it is alleged that certain landowners in the neighbourhood of Clareen, situated in the County of Offaly, did not comply with the tillage regulations last year; if he will state the names of the landowners, and whether any prosecutions were undertaken or are pending; further, if he is aware that ten cottage tenants living in these areas with families of from four to ten each, were unable, last year to secure grazing rights for their cows or sufficient land to produce food for themselves and their families.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Compliance With Tillage Regulations.
I am not aware of any landowners in the district mentioned in the Deputy's question who did not comply with the requirements of the Tillage Order in 1942. The matter referred to in the second part of the question is not one that comes within the province of my Department.
Is the Minister aware, or would he be good enough to make further inquiries, to ascertain whether two landowners have approximately a total area of 1,000 acres, and that they only tilled 30 acres this year, nine acres being under wheat, and if that is in strict compliance with the regulations?
The Deputy was good enough to mention two names which it was not thought advisable to allow on the Order Paper. I made inquiries into the two cases and I found that in 1942/43 both landowners carried out their obligations.
Is it on the alleged ground that one is the keeper of a stud farm with one brood mare and two farm horses?
I would have to make inquiries before answering that question.