asked the Minister for Lands if he will take steps to ensure that, in the case of landholders who have been forced to leave the country because of lack of employment and who are prepared to return to live on their holdings, the lands will not be acquired by the Land Commission without the owners' consent.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Acquisition of Land.
11.
Mr. J. Lenehan
All relevant factors, including the personal circumstances of the owner are taken into consideration by the Land Commission before compulsory acquisition proceedings are instituted for a particular property. In addition, as the Deputy knows, an owner or his solicitor, has the right to make his case for the retention of his lands at the hearing of his objection in open court. The commissioners are always prepared to listen sympathetically to an owner who genuinely intends to return and work his holding.