asked the Minister for Lands whether the Land Commission have at present under consideration any applications from persons resident in County Donegal for migratory holdings, and, if so, if he will state the number regarded as eligible for such holdings.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Holdings for Donegal Migrants.
The Land Commission has under consideration at present eight applications from potential migrants resident in County Donegal. As these have not yet been fully examined it is not possible to say how many of the applicants are eligible for new holdings.
Will the Minister give to successful applicants from among these people some of the holdings that he mentioned on 30th April, 1955, as reported in the Western People, when, to quote his own words, there were plenty of excellent 33½ acre holdings available up the country for those willing to migrate?
Is the Deputy aware that the work of the Land Commission has been brought to a virtual standstill in his constituency because nobody is willing to migrate?
Am I to take it that the Minister has stated that there are eight applicants on the books of the Land Commission from my county and, if so, is he prepared to give one or other of those 33½ acre holdings that are available if they are willing to migrate?
I will answer the Deputy's supplementary by putting him another. I wonder is the Deputy aware that there are many new holdings both in the Lagan and Finn valleys that the Land Commission cannot get Donegal people to take, and would he explain that to me?
Is the Minister aware that there are a number of small-holders in North Longford and Westmeath with five or six acres who would take these holdings?
Deputy Blaney is too late with his election propaganda.
I am early enough for the Minister.