asked the Minister for Lands what is the up-to-date position with regard to the division of the Goor Estate, Lackaroe, County Tipperary; and what action has been taken since his last reply on this matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Division of County Tipperary Estate.
65.
I understand that the Land Commission's investigations regarding this estate, referred to in my reply to the Deputy's previous question on 9th ultimo, will be completed shortly and that an early decision will be reached in the matter.
It is at least two months since I first put down this question. As the Minister is aware, this particular farm has already been purchased by a German. The full particulars are before the Minister's authority and by the Minister's evasive answers here on the past few occasions the people of Lackaroe in North Tipperary are being blinded while foreigners are buying Tipperary land.
I do not accept what the Deputy has alleged. The Deputy had one question here in regard to this matter, as far as I am aware, and he got a reply that due to pressure of resale work in the district, the Land Commission had not completed their investigations into this estate. That was the position. I understand that their investigations are now practically completed and that they expect to be in a position to give a decision on the matter at a very early date. That is my information.
Is the Minister aware that this foreigner is already residing on and has been working the estate for the past two months and if the Minister has any control whatsoever over his Department, at least we could have got a reply within the past couple of months?
I have such control over my Department as the law of this Parliament allows me. There are certain matters reserved to the Land Commission over which I have not got control.
Is it a fact that this German is in possession of the lands mentioned and, if so, is he there with the permission of the Land Commission?
Whoever is in possession of the lands in question I am sure it is well known to the Land Commission.
Is the German in question in possession of the lands? I want an answer to my question.
If the Deputy is moved to look for information, he might put down a question on the matter.
I can always ask a supplementary question, surely?
So long as it is relevant.
Question No. 66.