asked the Minister for Lands who were the allottees of land (a) on the Kenny estate, Moneyglen, Broomfield, County Monaghan, and (b) on the MacMahon estate, Brackagh, County Monaghan.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Monaghan Land Allottees.
The names of allottees are known in their own locality and I do not think it desirable to give them the wider publicity of mentioning them in the House. However, I can say that the Kenny estate was divided amongst four smallholders living within a mile of the estate and the MacMahon estate— apart from seven acres still on hands —was allotted amongst 16 local people, all living within one mile of the lands, 13 of whom were uneconomic landholders, one an ex-employee and two cottiers.
Does the Minister feel that it is an undesirable thing, once the allotment has been completed, to inform the neighbours who got the land? Has the Minister adverted to the fact that in rural Ireland strange rumours circulate as to who got the land, and would he not agree with me, once a decision is taken, a scheme completed and allotments made, it is a good thing to let the neighbours know who got the land so that the matter may be viewed locally on its merits, and not on the basis of rumour and falsehood?
In reply to the Deputy, my experience, which is admittedly somewhat limited, is that rumours circulate until the land is given out and then it is generally known to the people. The rumours circulate prior to that. It is generally known we try to avoid excessive publicity in view of the independence of the Land Commissioners and the very few complaints made in the last number of years in regard to allotments. If the Deputy would like to have a list of the allottees, I should be glad to furnish him with it and that goes for any other Deputy, too.
I am much obliged to the Minister, but I do suggest that is not a prudent course. I think these matters are best communicated to Dáil Éireann rather than to individual Deputies. Would the Minister not agree with me that Deputy Mooney might resent the fact that I had received from the Minister a list of allottees, as it might be reasonable for me to resent that Deputy Mooney had received a confidential list of allottees from the Minister? No one can complain if the names are endorsed on the Official Report. I do see the Minister's difficulty, but I think it would be more advantageous to put an end to rumours and arguments by stating, when allotments are made, who the allottees are. Perhaps the Minister would consider that matter and I could repeat my question in a week's time.