asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries whether he will state why the Land Commission who have acquired the Halvey lands, known as Fiddane farm, Redington estate, Co. Galway, and who have not yet sub-divided it, did not, when letting it for the present year, give the tenants thereon the option of taking it even at the highest price offered.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Letting of Galway Lands.
The lands of Fiddane, Acres and High-street in this matter are the subject of proceedings under Section 24 (3) Land Act, 1923, but these lands have not yet been acquired by the Land Commission. In the circumstances the question of the lettings for the current season is a matter for the owners, and not for the Land Commission.
I thought the Parliamentary Secretary some time ago made a statement in reply to Deputy Jordan that the lands were taken over?
I said we were endeavouring to acquire the lands, but I did not say that they had been taken over.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that cattle-driving is going on there at present, and in the interest of law and order will he not try to take over these lands?
Mr. Jordan
Will the Parliamentary Secretary state when these lands will be acquired by the Land Commission?
I cannot say, as we are encountering certain difficulties amongst the executors of the will of the late owner.
Mr. Jordan
As there has been laughter created by the statement of Deputy Killilea that cattle-driving is going on, and that it is in the interests of law and order that the matter should be settled, I desire to make the same statement. People who laughed should not do so, because we are really serious when we say that we want the question of this estate settled immediately so as to prevent further trouble. Whether Deputies laugh or not, they can take it that there will be more trouble if the lands are not taken up by the Land Commission shortly.