asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware that, as a result of the failure of the Land Commission to acquire the house and small portion of land on which Mr. Peter Molloy, Cappincur, Tullamore, County Offaly, resides with his wife and family (estate of Mrs. Grace Davidson, Record No. S.9772), the owner of the house and lands, who resides in Australia, has decided to evict Mr. Molloy and his family immediately in order to sell the property; and, if so, whether he will request the Land Commission to reconsider the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Offaly Holding.
I have no information that Mrs. Davidson is about to evict this man.
I submitted full particulars of this matter to the Minister's own office and have in my possession a reply to the representations signed by the Minister's Secretary.
From the unofficial information I have, I think this is a case which will develop into a dispute between this alleged tenant and the owner. It seems that this person has not any tenancy and went to live in this house on the suggestion of some person who had no authority to let him into the house and that he pays no rent. If my presumption is correct, this will develop into a law suit between this man and the owner, and it has nothing to do with us.
Will the Minister say why the Land Commission excluded from their scheme this small portion of land which Mr. Molloy is interested in, while all the rest of the area was included? Can he give the House or furnish Deputies with an explanation of the extraordinary action of the Land Commission in not acquiring this house and land?
I should like to point out to the Deputy that the Land Commissioners are absolutely free to take what land they wish and to exclude any particular farm, if they see fit to do so. There is definitely going to be some trouble about title in this case and the Land Commission do not wish to get involved in it. I think they are acting rightly in not involving the taxpayers' money in the matter.
Nothing at all about the family.
Question No. 7.