asked the Minister for Lands what progress has been made by the Land Commission in connection with the taking over for division of the lands of Mrs. Whitfield, Ballyhasty, Cloughjordan, County Tipperary.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Acquisition of Tipperary Lands.
The investigations referred to in my reply to the Deputy's question on 27th June last have not yet been completed.
Is the Minister aware that 100 acres of this land have been put up for sale by private treaty, and would he use his good offices to see that this land is kept for the small farmers and the people entitled to it in the area concerned? Would he make representations to the Land Commission to see that that is done?
If the Deputy is asking me to get the Land Commission to interfere with the free sale of land, I will not do it. If there are 100 acres for sale in that area the Land Commission may buy it if they are convinced it suits them.
Would the Minister say that if the Land Commission buy the land they will give the full market value for it?
The Deputy must not be aware that there was an Act passed by this House compelling the Land Commission to give the market value for land. I am not aware that the Land Commission violate the laws of this House.