asked the Minister for Lands whether the Land Commission have considered the propriety of acquiring the estate of Colonel Gregg, Ballyknockane, Kilsheelan, Clonmel, for division among the smallholders, landless men and cottiers in the area, and, if so, with what result.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Tipperary Estate.
The Land Commission have considered the question of resuming this holding and have decided to take no action in the matter.
Is the Minister aware that the lands in question are owned by a gentleman who held a commission in the North of Ireland as officer commanding the B Specials in Omagh? In the interests of goodwill and peace, would the Minister say if he would reconsider the question of acquiring these lands on the slopes of Slievenamon mountain and hand them over to the people with the best right to them?
The question of acquiring lands is not a matter for the Minister. It is one of the expected matters in the Act, reserved to the Land Commissioners themselves. They have examined this particular case very thoroughly for a considerable time past and have decided not to acquire them.
What does the Deputy mean by goodwill and peace?
Let the Minister come down and find out for himself.
What does the Deputy mean by goodwill and peace?
You take his side and you will find out soon.
It is very doubtful who is taking that gentleman's side.
I am not taking his side, I can assure the Minister.