asked the Minister for Lands if he will state the date of last inspection by an officer of the Land Commission of the lands of Mr. Matthias Moore, Lunville, Edenderry, County Offaly.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Inspection of Offaly Lands.
The last inspection was made in September, 1948.
Will the Minister say why his predecessors as well as himself declined to take any steps for the acquisition and division of these lands when he must admit that there is great congestion in the area?
The Deputy must be well aware that I have probably exceeded my powers in representing to the Land Commissioners that these are lands which, in my opinion, should be acquired. Nevertheless, the Commissioners have decided not to acquire them.
May I ask the Minister why the undertaking which he gave to a representative deputation from Offaly, in the presence of the Taoiseach, to have these lands inspected about a fortnight after the deputation was received was not kept by him?
No such undertaking was given.
The Taoiseach was present and I call on the Taoiseach to verify it. Deputy Davin was also present.
I call on Deputy Moran to ask Question No.6.
If I might be permitted to reply, the undertaking that was given by both myself and the Taoiseach on the occasion which the Deputy refers to was that the Commissioners would be asked to reconsider their decision. That was done and the Commissioners have adhered to their decision.