asked the Minister for Lands what proposals the Land Commission have under consideration in regard to the division of the Fitzgerald estate, Greenhills, Limerick, which contains only 60 acres of good land and, further, if local deserving applicants who are qualified will get preference to migrants.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Limerick Estates.
asked the Minister for Lands what proposals the Land Commission have under consideration in regard to the division of the Russell estate, Roxboro', Limerick, which contains only 50 acres of good land and, further, if local deserving applicants who are qualified will get consideration in preference to migrants.
I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 31 and 32 together.
It has not been the practice of the Land Commission to disclose in advance their proposals for the allotment of particular estates and I do not intend to alter that practice.
As to the choice of deserving local applicants rather than migrants, I would remind the Deputy that this is a matter entirely for the commissioners; I have no power to ensure that they will act in particular cases as the Deputy suggests they should.
Nevertheless, I can state from past experience, that the commissioners will give the most careful consideration to local needs. In fact portion of the Fitzgerald estate in Dooncaha allotted in March last, provided six enlargements for local smallholders and likewise portion of the Russel estate has already been given to an uneconomic holder in the vicinity.