asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware that William Duffily has been herd on the Hodson Estate, Johnsport, Lecarrow, County Roscommon, for 40 years, and that his father and brother held the same position before him; that in that capacity he received £26 per annum, grass for three cows, five calves, a horse and a donkey, a house and garden free of rent, and fuel; that he has living with him and dependent on him a wife, a brother, two sons and a daughter; that the estate is now in process of being divided up by the Land Commission and that Mr. Duffily has been informed that none of it will be allotted to him and that he and his family will be turned out of their house; and whether if these facts are correct, he will state why Mr. Duffily and his family are being treated in this way.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Division of Roscommon Estate.
The Land Commission are fully aware of the position and family circumstances of Mr. William Duffily as mentioned by the Deputy and have taken them duly into account in considering the resale scheme for the lands acquired on the Hodson Estate, but having regard to the area available for allotment and the number of applicants for parcels thereon, they cannot see their way to make any allotment to Mr. Duffily. The division of these lands will not disturb him in the possession of the house in which he at present resides, which is situate on lands held by Mr. Hodson, other than those which have been acquired for division. Mr. Duffily already has a holding of some 39 acres, with a poor law valuation of £16 15s., on which is a good house which he does not occupy.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary sure of his facts when he says this man has 39 acres? That is contrary to the information given to me.
The exact area is 38 acres 3 roods and 20 perches.
I was told 17 acres.
And in addition he resides in a house around which there is something over two acres, making a total of 41 acres.