asked the Minister for Lands whether it is proposed to acquire the lands of Timothy Danaher at Park, County Limerick (Record No. S.5603).
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Acquisition of Limerick Lands.
The Land Commission have had an inspection made of the lands of Park on the estate of Timothy Danaher, and proceedings for their acquisition are in progress.
Is the Minister aware that these lands were purchased by the present owner comparatively recently—ten years ago—at a cost of about £1,100, that the sum now being paid is approximately £740 and, further, is the Minister aware that before this man entered into purchase proceedings for the holding, he made every possible inquiry as to whether it was probable the Land Commission would acquire these lands and, through his solicitor, was informed by the Land Commission there was no such intention; that he then purchased the holding and that three or four years afterwards he was served with a notice to resume. He contested that and won his case. He was awarded £7 expenses but his expenses were much nearer £70 than £7. Is the Minister aware that these lands are being acquired at £3 11s. per acre or, allowing for redemption, £2 15s.? Does the Minister consider that land worth only £3 an acre is the sort of land which the Government should spend considerable sums in acquiring and distributing, apart from the damage it will do to the present owner who is in possession of somewhat similar land?
I am not in a position to reply to the rather detailed supplementaries the Deputy has put. I cannot say whether or not they represent the facts, but I shall look into the matter.
The facts are as I have stated. The letter from the Land Commission stating they did intend to acquire the land is in my possession. The case went through two courts. On the first occasion, the occupier won and, on the second occasion, he was beaten. I do not want to raise this matter at any length, but would the Minister say if, considering all the circumstances, it is proposed to proceed with the acquisition of this farm?
The Deputy should put down a further question.
I propose to raise the matter on the adjournment.
Matters raised on the adjournment must arise directly out of the basic question. In this case, the information sought is whether or not it is proposed to acquire certain land.
Cannot reasons be given why the land should not be acquired?
The Deputy has not asked for the reasons.