asked the Minister for Lands if he has received a letter from the County Waterford Land Settlement Association asking if he will have an investigation made of holdings already divided with a view to ascertaining what lands and holdings are not tenanted; and, if so, whether he has yet come to a decision on this request; further, if he will ensure that closer co-operation will exist in future between inspectors of his Department and the association on the question of land division.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Investigation of Holdings.
The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. I may say, however, that the Land Commission are carrying out a systematic inquiry into the manner in which unvested parcels on divided estates throughout the country are being used by the allottees. Already in County Waterford a considerable number of parcels has been inspected and such allottees as have been found to be unsatisfactory have been warned that their parcels will be taken up from them unless they comply with the Land Commission's requirements. I am glad to avail of this opportunity to make it quite clear that those cases of unsatisfactory user will be vigorously pursued. People who are allotted new holdings by the Land Commission must regard themselves as a specially favoured section of the community and those who do not work the lands as they should and who in some cases do not even live in the houses erected for them must expect scant consideration.
As regards the final part of the question all representations received by the Land Commission on the subject of land division are given due consideration.