asked the Minister for Defence if he will state (a) the total acreage of land held by the State at Fermoy and which is being used for military purposes; (b) the amount of rent paid annually for such land, and (c) to whom the rent is paid.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - State Land at Fermoy.
The lands held by the Department of Defence and used for military purposes at Fermoy comprise 21 acres, 3 roods, 4 perches. They are held in fee simple subject to a Land Commission annuity of £9 2s. 6d.
The Department has also exercising rights, in perpetuity, over 98 acres, 3 roods, 27 perches, in respect of which a rent of £85 10s. 2d. per annum is payable to Fermoy Estates.
Is that portion of the land that we are paying £98 a year for on which our soldiers will not be allowed to play football or hurling?
I could not say the particular portion to which the Deputy is referring, but football and other sports are actually taking place on land in occupation of the military authorities.
Are we not paying a very big sum per year for land in Fermoy on which our soldiers will not be allowed to play football or hurling? To whom is the rent paid?
The land is for the use of the military in exercising troops. It is not specially used for the purpose of providing football or other amenities, but I am aware that certain amenities, such as for football, are provided for.
The Minister did not reply to the latter portion of my question. To whom is the rent paid?
To an absentee landlord.
Is it not a fact that most of the money that we pay as rent is portion of a Napoleonic pension? I think it is time that we should stop that transaction and be in control ourselves.
That is a separate question.