asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware that according to a newspaper report on June 18th a Land Commission engineer, accompanied by Mr. Patrick Durcan. Tubbercurry, described as a member of the Administrative Council of the Labour Party, visited the lands of Miss McHugh at Shessuecommon, Cloonacool, with a view to having the farm divided; whether he will state if this report is correct; and, if so, whether he has satisfied himself that such procedure does not constitute political interference with the officers of his Department.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sligo Farm—Newspaper Report.
I have seen the newspaper report to which the Deputy refers. It gives, I am afraid, a distorted account of what occurred and leaves a wrong impression. Representations had been received from Mr. Patrick Durcan and the inspector deputed to inquire into the case interviewed Mr. Durcan, who appears to live close to the lands concerned, with a view to checking up on the details.
In order to obtain or confirm information inspectors have constantly to get in touch with Deputies and others who make representations to the Land Commission. Inspectors are authorised to do so, and this involves no question of political influence or interference. What is wrong in the present instance is the attempt to use an ordinary inquiry made in the course of the day-to-day work of an inspector as a means of conveying through the public Press that the Land Commission Inspectors are susceptible to political influence or are working in close touch with members of one Party rather than another.