asked the Minister for Agriculture why persons (names supplied) in County Galway were not included in the allocation of portion of the Connolly estate which was recently divided, in view of the fact that their circumstances for needing an addition were as great, if not greater, than some who got additions.
Written Answers. - County Galway Estates.
94.
The determination of the persons to be selected as allottees of land acquired by the Land Commission is a matter which is reserved by law to the Lay Commissioners. I understand that in the present instance having regard to the limited amount of land available priority had to be given to applicants considered by the commissioners to be more dependent on farming than the persons referred to by the Deputy.
95.
asked the Minister for Agriculture why the Coleman estate at Togher, Tuam, County Galway was not acquired by the Land Commission for distribution among the congests in that area, in view of the fact that no other holding can be acquired in that area in the foreseeable future, and therefore, there will be no relief to the congests, many of whom have large families.
I am informed that the property referred to was offered for sale by public auction and was purchased by an adjoining small farmer subject to Land Commission approval. Having considered the circumstances of the purchaser and his ability to work the lands purchased the Land Commission decided not to move for their acquisition.
96.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state, in relation to the division of the Cosgrave estate at Windfield Lower, Brierfield, Ballinasloe, why a person (name supplied) was not considered for a portion of the lands in view of the fact that he is a ratepayer with a land PLV, a holder of a herd number, that he has an invalid wife and three children and that the land to be divided is about his house.
The determination of the persons to be selected as allottees of land acquired by the Land Commission is a matter which is reserved by law to the Lay Commissioners. I understand that the application of the person referred to by the Deputy—a cottier—was fully considered but could not be granted due to the limited area available and the prior claims of local smallholders. I may add that it is only rarely the Land Commission can provide an allotment for a cottier.