asked the Taoiseach if he has seen a report that the London agents of the Powerscourt Estate have stated that negotiations for the sale of the Estate are in progress and that while it may not be sold for some months it might be sold next week; and whether in the light of that information he has requested or will request the present owners of the Estate to make it a condition of sale that the amenities previously enjoyed by the general public will be preserved.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sale of Powerscourt Estate.
5.
Mr. Ryan
I have seen a newspaper report on the lines referred to.
I have not requested the owners of the Powerscourt Estate to insert in the conditions of the proposed sale of the property the condition suggested by the Deputy, and I would refer him generally to the third paragraph of my reply to Questions in this House on 10th instant.
Mr. Ryan
Is the Taoiseach going to handle this matter in the same way as his Government handles everything, that is, to do nothing about it until it is too late to do anything?
The Deputy is being a trifle absurd.
Mr. Ryan
Further arising out of the Taoiseach's reply, would the Taoiseach not consider that where a sensible precedent is laid down it would be wise to follow that precedent, especially having regard to his high regard for precedent, indicated in his last reply to Deputy Dr. Browne? He should have regard to the precedent laid down by Deputy Costello and approach the vendor in the interests of the State.
How could you buy Killarney?
I do not see any reason to change my reply to the Deputy's question.