asked the Minister for Fisheries whether he is now in a position to state if the lands situate in Lisnabrack, County Leitrim, owned by H.J.B. Clements, have been acquired for the purpose of distribution amongst the uneconomic holders of land in the district.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - CLEMENTS ESTATE (COUNTY LEITRIM).
As the Deputy was informed in reply to his question of the 1st November last, the lands referred to comprise a cut-out plantation. The Land Commission do not propose to acquire them at present.
Am I to infer from the reply that the Land Commission do not propose to acquire these lands for the purposes mentioned?
No.
Would I be justified in saying that the Land Commission have come to the conclusion that these lands are to be excessively rated so that they will not be of any value to the tenants, and that the Land Commission have practically decided not to interfere with them?
I think that the Deputy has already got that information in writing.
It is for that purpose I want to know if that was the decision. It is unfair to the tenants to keep them hoping that the lands will be divided when the Land Commission have decided not to do so.
The Land Commission have decided not to take action for the present as the valuation is so high. It would be impossible, owing to the rates, to pay the annuity required.
I wanted to get that statement from the Parliamentary Secretary. It is unfair that he should have that information in his possession since October last and not give it until now.