asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware that the farm at Drakerath, Carlanstown, Kells, County Meath, which was purchased by a German national some time ago, is about to be resold to a Dutch national; and if he will take steps to have the farm divided among local deserving applicants.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Carlanstown (Meath) Farm.
33.
I am not aware that the position is as stated by the Deputy. My information is that the Land Commission have the property under investigation and that certain discussions of a confidential nature are continuing with the owner.
Is the Minister aware that an almost similar reply was given by him before the Dáil went into the summer recess? Can he say if any alteration has taken place in the position since that time?
I do not propose to say anything further than what I have stated, that these negotiations are still continuing, and it is not the practice in this House to say anything further because it might defeat the purpose which the Deputy has in mind.
Surely the Minister is aware that it was only the marginal land surrounding the estate which the non-national was trying to dispose of and since that time he has been negotiating to sell all the estate to another non-national? Is the Minister aware that this is happening and are the Land Commission doing anything about it?
I am aware of what I have stated, that active negotiations are still proceeding. A very substantial deal is concerned here and I know that the owner's advisers and my officials are still negotiating. That is all I propose to say.
I shall repeat the question in about a fortnight if the Minister is still here.