asked the Minister for Lands whether the Land Commission have considered the propriety of acquiring the Rockingham estate, Boyle; and, if not, why not.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rockingham (Boyle) Estate.
44.
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to his previous question regarding this estate on 5th November last. The Land Commission, in conjunction with Forestry Division, sought to purchase this property voluntarily but were unsuccessful. Having regard to the statutory provisions, the property is not regarded as a suitable subject for compulsory acquisition.
Does the Minister suggest that the owner of the property is not willing to sell?
I have given the Deputy the reply.
I am not seeking this information for myself; I want it for the public and the smallholders in that county.
I have already given the Deputy the reply. The Land Commission attempted to negotiate the purchase of the property, but were not successful.
Was that because the price sought by the individual was too high, or is it a fact that the Land Commission suggested that the land itself is not suitable for their purposes?
The negotiations failed on the ground of price.
Is it a fact that a very thorough investigation of this farm was carried out by inspectors of the Minister's Department and that as a result the decision was taken that the land was not suitable for acquisition and division among local small farmers?
The Deputy is wrong in his assumption.
May I take it, so, that the land is suitable for division among smallholders——
Do not let the Deputy cross-examine you.
I understand the Minister for Health has a little advice to give the Minister for Lands on this matter.
I am sorry to take up the time of the House, but this is a most important matter for a number of smallholders in the area, and in view of the fact that there is no more land available in the locality, will the Minister at this late stage ensure that the farm concerned is acquired for the relief of congestion?
I have already replied to the Deputy. He has the whole reply there about the position.
May I take it——
Surely, enough questions have been asked about it now.