asked the Minister for Lands why the owner of a holding of land at Meeltran, Aghamore, County Mayo, which was acquired by the Land Commission five years ago and which was allocated to two local farmers two years ago, has not yet been paid.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Mayo Holdings.
65.
It is presumed that the Deputy is referring to the Garvey estate at Meeltran.
This 16 acre holding vested in the Land Commission on 29th April, 1966, pursuant to the provisions of section 24 of the Land Act, 1923. The Land Commission did not, however, secure possession until May, 1967, following a court order.
On lodgment of the requisite title documents by the owners' solicitor, certain rulings on title were issued by the examiner of the Land Commission and I understand that these have not yet been fully discharged. Until these are finally cleared the purchase money cannot be paid.
Is the Minister aware that this land was acquired while those people were away in England and, the husband being unwell there with a heart condition, could not return home? As a result, the woman has come home now and is with her daughter who is married, and has no home whatsoever. Is he further aware that this land was allocated to two local persons two years ago and that the woman has not got her money from the Land Commission yet? How did it happen that the land was allocated seeing that the woman was not paid although the land was acquired five years ago?
I am very well aware of the circumstances. I know the family and all the circumstances, as the Deputy will appreciate. I said in my reply that the rulings had not been discharged.
Will the Minister consider at this stage giving this woman, together with her daughter who is married here at home, some small holding in the vicinity?
Perhaps she should get another solicitor.
66.
asked the Minister for Lands why the Land Commission has not paid a person in County Mayo (name supplied) for his holding of land which the Commission acquired two years ago and which has since been allocated to local people.
The Land Commission cannot trace any estate which would fit the particulars set out in the question.
The Deputy may, however, be referring to an estate of the same name in the townland of Meelick Beg. Proceedings for acquisition of this property are in the final stages but possession has not yet passed to the Land Commission. Until it does, the question of payment will not arise.
This land has been acquired by the Land Commission for two years and I am wondering, and there are a great many people wondering, if you have any money at all?
The Deputy must be joking.
I am not joking. People who have come home from England have to wait five years for payment that is due for land which the Department has acquired. It is a tragic situation.
If the Deputy wishes to discuss this matter, he will have an opportunity on the Estimate next week or the week after.
I will deal with it on the Estimate.