asked the Minister for Finance if he is prepared under Section 1 of the State Lands Act, 1924, to let under a 99 years' lease the lands at Billeragh, Kilworth, at present administered by the Department of Defence, in view of the fact that the present system (five years' letting) tends to bad husbandry and to the deterioration of the lands in question.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Letting of County Cork Lands.
I am not prepared to lease the lands in question for 99 years.
The Minister is, of course, aware of the system under which these lands are held. Is he further aware that the five-year system is turning that land into a wilderness in which state it will be good for nothing?
I am aware that it has its disadvantages, but the difficulty in this matter arises from the fact that the lands are required for defence purposes in certain circumstances.
Is the Minister aware that no military person has been seen on these lands for the last 33 years?
I am not aware of that and I doubt if the Deputy is aware of it either.
If the Minister will come down I will get the information for him on the spot.