asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware that since the date of his previous answer to a question on the subject, the lands of the Ballycurran demesne, County Mayo, have been sold by the owner, Colonel Beddington, to three purchasers; and if he will state whether the Land Commission will acquire the said lands from the purchasers with a view to relieving the serious congestion that exists in the neighbourhood.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Acquisition of Land in Mayo.
I have nothing to add at present to the reply given to the Deputy's previous question of the 10th instant. The sale of the lands by the owner does not affect the position as far as the Land Commission is concerned.
Might I ask the Minister if he is aware that those lands have got a very long history? Is the Minister not aware that those three purchasers are now, I believe, willing to sell to the Land Commission at the price that they paid, and if the Land Commission does not resume those lands, that there is grave danger of agrarian trouble in the district?
My attention has been called to the Deputy's interest in the matter. The position is, as the Deputy was informed the last day, that the Land Commission are making inquiries. I cannot say anything further at the moment.
The last answer was that they were not even making inquiries. Will he urge the Land Commission to conclude their inquiries as quickly as possible?
I cannot answer that question, obviously, until I have further information. I have not the result of the inquiries which are being made at present.
Is the Minister aware now that those purchasers are willing to sell to the Land Commission at the price they themselves paid? Will he urge the Land Commission to consider the congestion in the neighbourhood? Why does the Land Commission not accept the offer?
The Deputy has introduced a new point just now, that the purchasers are willing to sell. I am not aware, and I cannot say, without having notice of the question, whether that is so, or whether any offer has been made to the Land Commission. I do not think that we will get any further by a process of question and answer of this kind, and I would suggest that the Deputy write about the matter.