asked the Minister for Lands if he will state (1) how long there has been agitation for division of the estate of Mr. Matias Moore, Lunville, Edenderry, Offaly; (2) whether he was approached by the owner and others with a view to no action being taken to divide those lands; and whether he will make a full statement on the matter; and (3) what progress has been made by the Land Commission in regard to the acquisition and division of the lands amongst deserving applicants.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Offaly Estate.
In 1935 representations were made to the Land Commission regarding this holding and proceedings for resumption were instituted. The matter had then to be deferred owing to a legal difficulty and, later, had again to be deferred owing to the emergency restrictions. The case was reviewed last year and the Land Commission decided to take no further action for the resumption of the lands.
In all intended cases of compulsory acquisition and resumption representations are made to the Land Commission for and against. This case was no exception.
Could the Minister give the House an idea why the Land Commission changed their attitude in connection with these lands? He has stated that proceedings for acquisition were instituted at one stage and that they were subsequently cancelled. Can he give the House any reasons why these lands were not acquired?
The Land Commission never furnish reasons for the decision they give.
In order to satisfy himself, will the Minister inquire into this case and find out the reasons why the Land Commission refused to proceed in this case?
Should the Minister do as Deputy Flanagan suggests, I trust he will bear in mind that the owner mentioned is a large employer who works his lands in an extremely profitable manner for the community in the area, and that he also has a large family?
Would the Minister further bear in mind that the large farmer to whom Deputy O'Higgins has referred refused to give to the Offaly County Council a site for a cottage for a labouring man?
Settle between you, outside.