asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware that the valuation of Stephen Healy's farm at Moneen, Ardrahan, County Galway which he stated on 23rd November last was £23 is in fact greater than £23; and, if so, if the Land Commission will consider the propriety of acquiring the holding of Florence McCarthy, which was purchased by Mr. Healy, for division amongst the uneconomic holders in the area.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Valuation of County Galway Farm.
65.
Mr. Donnellan
As regards the first part of the Question, I now find that the Valuation of Mr. Healy's holding in Moneen East is £30 12s. and not £23 as previously stated.
Regarding the second part of the Question, as I stated already, the Land Commission have decided not to institute proceedings for acquisition of the holding formerly owned by Mr. McCarthy and purchased by Mr. Healy.
I can say, however, that they are examining the possibility of effecting a measure of rearrangement: an Inspector has been on the ground for that purpose and it is hoped that some remedial measures will eventuate.
Mr. Donnellan
Hope springs eternal, but as regards this holding of land, the Minister says now that the Land Commission have decided to let the sale go through. He must realise that there are at least three tenants there who have not a hope of rearrangement, if this land sale is allowed to proceed. Would he not reconsider the matter? Members of his own Party have been up on a deputation to meet the Minister in this connection.
I have already informed the House that the question of the migration of some of the tenants from this land slum is under consideration at the moment. The one man whose land does intermix with the holding which has been sold is being considered by way of a rearrangement. The Deputy is well aware from his experience that rearrangement entails agreement between the parties concerned. Anything the Deputy says in this House will not stop the arrangement from going through for the relief of the individual.
Mr. Donnellan
The Minister is not getting away with that. The fact of the matter is that there cannot be a rearrangement scheme in that area if the sale of this holding is allowed to go through. The man who purchased this holding says he will have no rearrangements. There are three or four tenants whose homes are completely surrounded by this man's land. There is only one way to have a rearrangement scheme there and that is for the Land Commission to take over this holding that has been up for sale and to give a chance to the people in the area.
Is the Deputy asking a question?
The purchaser is at the moment in negotiation through my Department with one of the congests to try to fix up matters there. If these negotiations fail, I want to place the blame fairly and squarely on the Deputy's mischievous questioning.
Mr. Donnellan
Why did the Minister give me a wrong valuation of this man's land in the first instance?
The difference between £23 and the actual valuation is insignificant.
Mr. Donnellan
It is the difference between £23 and £36 17s. Is that insignificant? The tenant farmers do not think so.
Question No. 66.
Mr. Donnellan
I desire to raise the subject matter of this question on the Adjournment.
I shall communicate with the Deputy.