By agreement, a Private Notice Question to the Taoiseach by the Leader of the Opposition, will be taken before the ordinary questions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Private Notice Question—Killarney Lakes.
Mr. de Valera
asked the Taoiseach if he will state whether it is true that some of the Killarney lakes and certain adjoining lands are offered for sale and if true what steps the Government intend to take to prevent these properties being acquired by alien syndicates, or persons who might exploit them in a manner detrimental to the national interest.
I have seen newspaper reports to the effect stated in the Deputy's question. The Government are giving urgent consideration to the matter, and I have arranged to discuss the position this afternoon, with representatives of the Killarney Tourist Development Company, Limited.
Mr. de Valera
Would the Taoiseach state that effective steps will be taken by the Government to prevent these properties being acquired by alien syndicates or persons disposed to use them in a manner detrimental to the public interest? That is what we are interested in.
I have endeavoured, from the time I first saw the notification of the proposed sale, to ascertain what the facts were. I have not yet got any full, precise or accurate account of what the facts are as to the proposed sale and I hope to get them this afternoon. The Deputy may take it, however, that the Government will see that the national interests are not prejudiced by any sale.