asked the Minister for Lands the present position of the negotiations regarding the acquisition of the Baker estate, Crusheen, County Clare.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Clare Estate.
82.
Proceedings were instituted for the compulsory acquisition of this 95-acre property.
There was no objection by owner. Price negotiations were commenced. These have not proved successful and the Land Commission are now considering the next step to be taken.
Is the Minister aware that the owner of these lands raised no objection and he has been waiting, with the patience of a saint, since last June or July? There is no valid reason for not completing the sale. Is the Minister aware of this and that a grave hardship has been inflicted on this family as a result of the Land Commission not completing the sale? These lands were sold by public auction initially. The Land Commission then moved in and they have held up the sale since last May. Is the Minister aware that these people intend to go into another line of business as a result of the sale of their lands?
I am not aware that the sale has been held up because the Land Commission——
The only reason that has been put forward for holding up this sale and not completing it is that the solicitor for the original purchaser claimed expenses on behalf of his client. This is the only reason that the Land Commission have been able to put forward. Is the Minister aware that this is not a valid reason for not completing the sale with the owner of the lands who raised no objection?
The only reason I have is that there is a difference between the Land Commission and the owner on the price. The Baker estate is an estate which the Land Commission are endeavouring to buy.
The owner of these lands agreed to sell when the Land Commission moved in.
Yes, and the only problem is the price.
The price was established at a public auction and the owner accepted the price established. I happened to be the auctioneer, so I know.
Did the Deputy get his fees?
Not at all.
I thought the whole problem was the auctioneer.
I am concerned about the owners. I am out of business altogether.
I shall ask my colleague to take it up.