asked the Minister for Lands if the Mullen estate at Strinagh, Collon, County Louth, has been allocated; if so, the number and names of allottees; the acreage given to each; and if all the persons concerned are solely dependent on farming.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Louth Estate.
21.
A total of 183 acres of this 192 acre property have been allotted amongst eight allottees. The names of the allottees are: Laurence Weldon, Laurence Lenehan, Eugene Barron, Mary Birch, George Albert Kells, Thomas Sarsfield, Joseph Shevlin and Eugene Gilsenan.
It is not the practice to disclose details of the allotments made nor the personal circumstances of the allottees.
The Deputy will appreciate that the selection of allottees and the determination of the lands to be allotted to them are matters reserved to the Land Commission.
I wonder why the Minister could not disclose, as my question asked, if these people were all landowners and, further, I wonder why, on making representations some time ago, I was told that because they were in respect of a lady, she did not qualify for a swop deal much less an allocation of land.
I do not know if the Deputy is referring to the lady who is mentioned in the reply. In any event, one lady does appear among the allottees and I think I can say in regard to her that she was landless. At least. I think so.
I wonder if the Minister could explain why land was given to persons who were landless? Further, I wonder if there would be any relationship between the particular nature of the allotments and a notice sent out by the secretary of a Fianna Fáil cumann meeting, where, he says, "The division of land, grants and local government matters will be discussed"? This was in the area.
I am not aware that the commissioners were advised of this meeting when they were making their decision.
Did the Minister approach them on behalf of some of these people?
I am not aware that I was involved at all.
Or did the Tánaiste? He is keeping very silent. He must have.
I tell everybody who wants land that it is a matter for the Land Commission and that the most I can do is to ensure that the facts they give me are not already known to the inspectors. That is all I say.
Why did the Minister not get his Secretary to put that on the notice and not say he was going to distribute the land? I am surprised the Minister is in that party. He is so honest and honourable.