asked the Minister for Lands why the Land Commission let some land privately to a single man in County Meath (details supplied) who already had an economic holding and deprived two married men with large families from taking the land again as they had leased it the previous year.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Meath Land Letting.
8.
(Cavan): It was not found possible to let the land in question by public auction for the 1975 season because of trespass, which continued up to the end of November. In the circumstances the Land Commission decided that the best way to let the lands for 1976 was by inviting private offers through an auctioneer. This was done and the lands let to the highest bidder.
Is the Minister aware that those two men did not get a second chance as is normal after they put in their tender? They were only a £1 an acre under the highest bidder. Why did the auctioneer not give them a second chance?
(Cavan): I am not aware that second chances are given if the letting is by tender as distinct from private treaty or private negotiation. If the letting were done by private negotiation I would expect the auctioneer to go from one to the other for a while, but if it is by sealed tender I think the practice is to let it to the highest tenderer there and then.
It was not by sealed tender because when they handed it in the auctioneer opened it and he would not discuss it any further.
The Deputy is imparting information rather than seeking it.
Is the Minister aware that this happened?
(Cavan): My information is that the Land Commission were unable to let this land in 1975 owing to the fact that stock had been illegally put on the land on the day of the public auction, 27th February, 1975, and this trespass continued non-stop apparently until the 3rd November, 1975. In those circumstances, it was quite positive that a public auction would not be in the best interests of the Land Commission and indeed would not be fruitful at all. The Land Commission then decided to let the land by tender in the strict sense of the word and the person who put in the highest tender got the land. I think that was perfectly fair and reasonable.
Is the Minister aware that those two men whom he said were trespassing paid £42 an acre for the land?
(Cavan): I am not saying who was trespassing. I am saying trespass took place on the lands from 27th February, 1975, until 3rd November, 1975, and that the Land Commission never got a penny from anybody.
Is the Minister aware that the Land Commission were trying to prevent those two men, who have large families, from taking land?
(Cavan): That is not so. I am sure the Deputy does not want to encourage trespass and agitation and anarchy in regard to land.
In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Minister's reply, I should like to raise the matter on the Adjournment.
The Chair will communicate with the Deputy.