asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware that notice of eviction in respect of her house has been served on Mrs. Dyra, Glenlara, Glenhest, County Mayo; that this house, which was originally built by her late husband when he was acting as herd on a mountain farm, is now in possession of the Land Commission; and whether he will take steps to save this tenant, who has lived all her life in the house, from eviction.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Mayo Woman's House.
My information is that Mrs. Dyra and her deceased husband occupied this house as a perquisite to their employment as herds of the Land Commission and the former Congested Districts Board. Over two years ago, Mrs. Dyra declined to act any longer as herd and the appointment of a new herd thus became necessary. Since that time difficulties have been created for the Land Commission in the management of the adjoining grazing land and Mrs. Dyra has refused to give up possession of the herd's house notwithstanding the Land Commission's offer to make her an ex gratia payment to which she was not strictly entitled. The Land Commission have accordingly been forced to take action along the lines mentioned in the question.
It is very regrettable that such a course should have become necessary, but there is no alternative open to the Land Commission in view of Mrs. Dyra's attitude.