asked the Minister for Lands if he will state when it is proposed to divide the lands of Kylemore on Pollock estate, Laurencetown, County Galway, and the total acreage for division amongst local smallholders, cottage tenants and deserving local applicants, and whether it is proposed to leave an area of 150 acres of it to a farmer already in possession of 700 acres of land.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Galway Estate.
The Land Commission instituted proceedings for the resumption of 430 acres on the Pollock estate and decided to take no action in regard to the other lands held by the tenant. An appeal against resumption was upheld in respect of 50 acres and the proceedings are being continued in respect of the balance of 380 acres.
A scheme of allotment has not been prepared and it is not possible to state when the lands will be allotted.
Might I inquire if the Minister has any information at his disposal as to whether 150 acres of this estate have been offered to a farmer who already has 700 acres and whether he will inquire into that?
I do not think it is my function to answer this hypothetical question.
You are shirking your responsibility.
It is the responsibility of the Land Commission to prepare a scheme. I have nothing to do with the allotment of land to particular persons. In any event it is not the normal practice, even if I had the information, to give it in advance of the decisions of the Land Commission when these are made known in the ordinary way.
Does the Minister consider that a man who has 700 acres of land is a suitable and deserving applicant for a portion of the land?
Such a man would not be entitled to land under the policy.