asked the Minister for Lands if he is satisfied (1) that every applicant for land on the Odlum estate, Cappincur, Tullamore, Offaly, was interviewed by an officer of the Land Commission; (2) that a statement of circumstances was taken and submitted to the Land Commission for consideration on merit; further, if applicants were not interviewed by the Land Commission, whether he will indicate the reasons why this was not done.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Odlum Estate.
All applicants were interviewed with the exception of a few who resided too far from the lands to qualify for allotments and a statement of their circumstances was submitted.
Could the Minister state why a Mr. William Rooney, who lives within a stone's throw of this place, who made application for portion of the lands, was not called on by the inspector in the course of his rounds?
Because he was too far away.
He is living in the immediate district.
He is not.
How far away does he live, would the Minister tell us? I know the place better than the Minister.
The inspector knows the area just as well as the Deputy.
asked the Minister for Lands if he will state if the Land Commission propose to divide the lands on the Fossett estate, Pillsworth, Rosenallis, County Leix, and if he has received a report from the Land Commission in the matter; and, if so, its nature.
The Land Commission have no proceedings for the acquisition of the lands at Corbally formerly owned by Mrs. Mary Fawcett and Another.
asked the Minister for Lands whether, in connection with his statement on 30th March, 1950 (column 323, Volume 120, No. 3), to the effect that Mr. M. Moore, Edenderry, approached him to have his land taken over by the Land Commission, the Minister is aware that Mr. Moore opposed the taking over of his lands by the Land Commission at all times; and, if so, whether he will examine the matter fully and make a statement on it.
Mr. Moore did not approach me with a view to having his lands taken over by the Land Commission. The word "not" has been omitted from the Official Report.
Will the Minister say whether, in the case of the last Government, any decision to acquire these lands was taken at any time during their existence?
No.
Fianna Fáil decided to divide those lands.
I will get the exact details, dates and so on, for the two Deputies but, speaking offhand, my impression is that there was not.
Is the Minister aware that it is only since this Government came in that it was decided not to divide Mathias Moore's land?
I am not aware.
I am. The Minister is perfectly aware of it, too.
I am not.
asked the Minister for Lands if he will say what steps have been taken to acquire for division the lands on Fisher estate, Timogue, Stradbally, County Leix, and if he will obtain an early report on the position in the area from the Land Commission.
The Land Commission have no proceedings for the acquisition of this estate but inquiries are being made.
Is the Minister aware that consultations are going on for the sale of this place by private treaty and that, if such proceedings are successful, a large number of persons who have been making a livelihood out of conacre lettings, some of them holding this land for 20 to 25 years, will be left out in the cold?
I am fully aware of the hardship in the immediate vicinity of this estate, but I am assured that the Land Commission is moving as rapidly as possible in this case.
asked the Minister for Lands when the Land Commission propose to divide the balance of the Robinson estate, Kilnacash, Mountmellick, County Leix.
A decision has not yet been reached regarding the acquisition of these lands.
Would the Minister undertake to request the Land Commission to expedite a favourable decision in this case?
As a matter of fact, it is the Land Bill that is holding them up.
Get it through quickly so.