asked the Minister for Lands if he will state, with reference to the estate of Michael Begley, Facefield, County Mayo, the exact position as between the Irish Land Commission and Mr. Begley at the moment, and if he will state when these lands will be acquired and distributed amongst the local uneconomic landholders.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Mayo Estate.
The position in regard to the lands of Facefield on the estate of Michael Begley is that negotiations for an exchange having failed, proceedings are now being continued for the acquisition of the lands. It is not possible to fix a date for the conclusion of these proceedings.
Am I to understand that this case has now been decided and the next step will be to acquire the land from Mr. Begley?
Exchange proceedings have failed and it is now proposed to try to acquire the land. Of course, there are legal difficulties and therefore I cannot say when this matter will be concluded.
The Minister must realise that this has delayed the Land Commission for 11 years. He has refused alternative holding after alternative holding, and, in the circumstances, does the Minister not think it is time to get the legal machinery of the Land Commission into operation and have this matter decided one way or the other?
The legal machinery of the Land Commission has now been brought into operation. In many ways these estates are well protected and it is not always possible for us to get done what we actually want done. This case has been going on for quite a long time. Every effort has been made by the Land Commission, in accordance with their powers, to try to secure agreement from Mr. Begley for an exchange. They failed to secure agreement for an exchange. We cannot force an exchange on Mr. Begley and now we propose to try to acquire his land.
Is Mr. Begley working the land?
I am sure he is.