asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries whether he can state if the services of the official who was employed as assistant paymaster under the Irish Land Commission since March, 1927, have been terminated in so far as the Stewart-Bam estate is concerned; and if so, whether he will state on what grounds and on whose representation such action has been taken; if he can also state whether any successor has been appointed; and, if so, whether he will state the Irish qualifications, if any, of the new appointee, and if the new appointee has no knowledge of the Irish language whether he will inquire into the matter, with a view to the reinstatement of the officer who previously held the post; or if it is the policy of the Minister in making these appointments in the Donegal Gaeltacht, to give preference to those not possessing the Irish language.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Stewart-Bam Estate (Co. Donegal).
Mr. John Kelly is employed when occasion arises in his district to discharge pay-sheets on commission, and he will continue to be employed when works are being carried out in his neighbourhood. The Land Commission obtained possession of Ards Demesne early this year and Mr. Kelly was employed to discharge some pay-sheets. As it will not be possible to divide the lands before the end of the year it was necessary to make arrangements for their use and for the use of the fishery in the interval. Having regard to the character of the demesne the Commissioners considered the person who could best assist them to make a profitable use of it pending division was the former agent who had a thorough knowledge of the place and they have employed him to take charge of the fishing, the garden and mansion house, rabbit farming and the employees on the lands. It is understood the agent is not an Irish speaker.