asked the Minister for Lands if he will state what is the cause of the delay in sinking a well and erecting a pump for Mr. James Christian, who was allotted a holding of land on the Kennedy estate at Bishopscourt, Straffan, County Kildare.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sinking of Well.
Mr. Boland
As the Land Commission were unable to find a suitable contractor to carry out this work, it was decided to sink the well by direct labour. The necessary equipment for the purpose is on order and it is hoped to begin the work within the course of the next few months.
Is the Minister aware that that reply of his is almost indistinguishable from one which he gave in this House about six months ago? Is it possible that the Land Commission have done nothing whatever in the meantime to carry out the promise which they made to this man about two years ago? The man himself says he could find a contractor to do the work in a week, but the Land Commission with its entire inspectorial staff cannot get a contractor in two years. This man was offered this alternative holding in lieu of one which he surrendered, and now he cannot get the Land Commission, a State Department, to fulfil the promise they made him. The Minister should take more interest in this case, and see that this man is not treated in such a grossly unfair fashion.
Mr. Boland
It was not possible to get contractors to do the work, and the Land Commission had decided to do that kind of work themselves where they cannot get suitable contractors. I think the delay in getting the machinery is responsible for holding the matter up.