asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware that the Coollattin estate, Shillelagh, covering an extensive area of land in South Wicklow, is controlled by a company, the vast majority of whose shares are held in England; and, if so, if he will state if he is satisfied that the investment of British capital in Irish land in this manner will clearly give rise to a new form of absentee landlordism, and further, if he is aware that the company referred to has recently issued notices of dismissal to over 20 of the forestry workers on the estate, following their application to have their wages and working conditions raised to a par with State forestry employees, and in the event of such a large-scale lay-off of these workers, whether the Land Commission will acquire the estate compulsorily for the purpose of land division.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Wicklow Estate.
I am not aware of the circumstances mentioned by the Deputy. I will ask the Land Commission to make inquiries as to whether the lands are required and are suitable for acquisition for their purposes.