asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware that the following lands in County Westmeath, viz. (1) 300 acres owned by Mrs. Moran, Lisdoonan, Glasson; (2) 450 acres, approximately, owned by Mr. R.S. English, Clonkeen, Pigeons; (3) 120 acres, approximately, owned by Mr. Patrick Parker, Rathmore, Taney; (4) 250 acres, approximately, owned by Mr. G. Groarke, situated at Gortmore, are being set year after year, and whether, in view of the fact that there are congested tenants in the locality, he will state whether the Land Commission intend to acquire these lands for division.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Westmeath, Roscommon and Tipperary Lands.
asked the Minister for Lands if he can yet state whether it is the intention of the Land Commission to acquire for division the non-residential holding at Glenn and Tully, County Roscommon, at present in the possession of Mr. J. Glancy, who resides at Ballyconnell, County Cavan.
asked the Minister for Lands if the Land Commission propose to acquire for division the lands of Mr. Patrick Slattery, Mooretown, Cahir, County Tipperary.
asked the Minister for Lands if it is the intention of the Land Commission to acquire for division the lands of Mr. Andrew Hennessey, at Loughlohery, Cahir, County Tipperary, with a view to the relief of local congestion.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I will take together Questions Nos. 9, 11, 12 and 13.
The question whether these or any other lands will be acquired or resumed depends on (a) their suitability for the purpose of the Land Commission, and (b) whether the restrictions imposed by the Land Acts or other relevant circumstances permit of their acquisition or resumption.
Did I understand the Minister to say that the Land Commission will only acquire land if they consider it suitable for their purpose and in their interest to do so, but regardless of the interests of the country as a whole?
The Land Commission will acquire land if it is suitable and if the Land Acts will allow them to acquire it. They will not acquire any land that is unsuitable for their purposes.
The land referred to in the question, approximately 1,000 acres, is let on the 11-months' system and we still have in the country large numbers of congested holdings and is it sound national policy for the Land Commission to allow this land to be sublet in this way?
The Land Commission if they want that land will take it but they have to acquire lands under the conditions of the Land Acts.
Does the Minister consider it sound policy for the Land Commission to allow large tracts of land to be let yearly on the 11-months' system while we have so many small congested holdings in the country ?
That is a repetition of the Deputy's previous supplementary question.