asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries whether the Commissioners were furnished with a report on the lands of Mrs. Elizabeth Winters at Barraghaun and Oldtown, Leix (estate of Richard Edmund Mills, Record No. 1248); whether he can give any information regarding the number of small holders (with valuations under £10) within two miles of these lands; whether the Commissioners decided to acquire same and subsequently confirmed their decision, and whether the Minister for Lands and Agriculture also confirmed the Commissioners' decision in a statement in the Dáil on 1st July, 1926 (Official Report, pages 1904-5-6-7); whether the Commissioners have since altered their attitude on this case, and whether he will state the reasons for doing so, or when the lands will be divided.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Acquisition of Leix Lands.
The lands referred to comprise two holdings, aggregating 99 acres, occupied by Miss Elizabeth Winters as judicial tenant, on the estate of R.E. Mills, Co. Louth. The Land Commission proposed to apply for an order authorising them to resume these holdings, but on consideration of all the circumstances they decided not to resume the holdings, and they have been vested in the tenant.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary answer the second part of the question asking for information with regard to the number of small holders with valuations under £10 within two miles of these lands? Will he also state whether subsequent to the decision of the Commissioners to acquire the land, and also subsequent to the announcement of the decision in this House by the Minister for Lands and Agriculture, a deputation was received, headed by a member from Trinity College with representatives of the landowner concerned? Will he further state if the final decision of the Commissioners was guided by the representations or misrepresentations of this deputation?
The decision of the Commissioners has nothing whatever to do with the deputation. In the tenant's objection to the notice of intention by the Land Commission to resume the lands she stated that she was a bona fide tenant and resided on the lands with her mother, that they were her sole means of support, that she purchased them from her brother-in-law, Mr. Thompson, in 1925 and held no other land. The Land Commission at first disallowed her objection, but having made further inquiries decided not to resume the holdings, and they were vested in her on 27th November, 1928. The inspector reported she had 6 milch cows, 7 two-year-olds, 13 yearlings, 9 calves, a horse and pony, that five acres were under tillage, and that he was satisfied this was a genuine purchase by Miss Winters from her brother-in-law, and he would not recommend resumption.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary prepared to admit that a deputation was received?
I am not aware that any such deputation was received. In any event, even assuming that this deputation was received, the Commissioners were not influenced in any way by the discussion they had with the deputation. They acted solely on the merits.
Would Deputy Davin be so explicit as to state who was the member from Trinity College on the deputation?
Deputy Davin might have been less explicit in referring to the deputation and might not have associated any member of the Dáil with it, particularly when he used the word "misrepresentation."
Deputy Davin will, if necessary, be more explicit on the Estimates.
I do not propose to allow Deputy Davin to be more explicit now.