asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is aware that the ground attached to the Scariff Workhouse has, for several years past, been rented to workers in the village of Seariff for the raising of vegetables, etc.; if his Department proposes to continue sanction for this arrangement, and, if not, whether he will state the reasons for this decision.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - SCARIFF WORKHOUSE LAND.
PADRAIG O hOGAIN
The letting of lands of this nature is subject to the approval of the Oireachtas and to the other provisions of the State Lands Act, 1924. No approval has been given in this case. As regards the latter part of the question a public inquiry, of which due notice was given in the Press, was held last year to afford interested parties an opportunity of representing their views as to the manner in which the lands could best be disposed of in the public interest. No representations were made at that inquiry on behalf of the plotholders to which the Deputy refers. The whole matter is now under consideration.
Mr. HOGAN
Is the Minister aware that if permission is not given to these plotholders to cultivate these plots within the next fortnight or so, the land will necessarily lie derelict this year? Will the Minister say whether he has received representations from any quarter as to the suitability of this place for lawn tennis courts rather than for plots?
I am not aware of any such representations.