asked the Minister for Fisheries whether the lands of Miss McGloughlin, on the Tuite Estate, at Empor, Westmeath, have been inspected by the Land Commission with a view to purchase and distribution amongst the uneconomic holders in the district; and, if so, whether he will state when the transaction will be completed.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - PURCHASE OF WESTMEATH LANDS.
The lands referred to comprise a holding of 48a 2r. 0p. situate in the townland of Empor, which has been purchased by the tenant under the Land Purchase Acts and is subject to payment of a land purchase annuity. The Land Commission do not propose to acquire the lands referred to.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that there are numbers of uneconomic holders in the district and that the division of this non-residential holding amongst them would make their holdings economic? Have not the Land Commission power under the recent Land Acts to acquire such holdings and will the Parliamentary Secretary consider the advisability of exercising the power in this case?
The Deputy should remember that the holding is a very small one, that it is subject to a land purchase annuity, that the owner is entitled to demand an equivalent holding in another area, and at the moment the Land Commission have no lands to offer in exchange.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the owner is the possessor of another, a residential, farm?
I am not aware of it. According to my information she owns only the one holding.