asked the Minister for Lands if he will state whether (a) vested cottiers; (b) unvested cottiers, and (c) cottiers vested or unvested who own some land other than the plot on which their house stands are eligible for allotments of land being divided in their immediate locality.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Allotments of Land.
Each type of applicant mentioned by the Deputy is eligible for consideration for an allotment and may, in fact, receive an allotment if there is sufficient land available. It is immaterial whether the applicant's cottage is vested or not. Generally, though, consideration of cottiers is preceded by the claims of ex-employees on the lands acquired, evicted tenants, local uneconomic holders and possibly others. I may say that if, in addition to his cottage plot, a cottier holds other lands he may be treated as an uneconomic holder.