asked the Minister for Lands why 29 acres of land were acquired from a farmer (name supplied) in view of the fact that he had only 71 acres and that a land project scheme was carried out on those lands.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Acquisition of Land.
29.
Proceedings were instituted for compulsory acquisition of the lands referred to in the question. An objection lodged on behalf of the owner came for hearing in open court before the Lay Commissioners in July last. The owner was represented by counsel and solicitor and was himself called to give evidence. The objection was disallowed. An appeal lodged against the Order of the Commissioners disallowing the objection is at present pending for hearing.
The determination of lands to be acquired is a matter reserved exclusively to the Commissioners. I gather that the lands in question are considered suitable and required for the statutory purposes of the land reform programme.
Is the Minister aware that the young man concerned intends to get married? He has carried out a land project job on those lands and he had eight acres of barley on those lands this year. Is this the way the Land Commission work to give viable farms to the people in the West of Ireland? The most tragic part of the whole affair is that this man belongs to the Church of Ireland and there should be no discrimination against him. Is the Minister aware of these facts?
I am aware of all the facts in this particular case. I regret the fact that the Deputy referred to discrimination. I should hope it would not exist. I will not say any more about it because, as I said in my formal reply, there is an appeal pending in the matter and for that reason I do not think it would be appropriate since the case is still sub judice to say anything more on the matter.
Eleven farmers have agreed to sign off their applications for those lands, only two are anxious to proceed with the acquisition.
I do not think the Deputy should seek to usurp the function of counsel and solicitor in the appeal.