asked the Minister for Lands if in relation to the distribution of the balance of the Booth, Daly and Higgins estates, at Baconstown, Enfield, County Meath, he will have all local applicants for land reinterviewed in order to ensure that any decisions as to the disposal of the lands in question are based on up-to-date information.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Meath Estate.
19.
The Land Commission have already carried out a careful assessment of the applicants for land on these estates. I have no doubt that, before making any further allotments, the Land Commission will satisfy themselves that the information available to them in respect of the outstanding applicants is fully up-to-date.
Is the Minister aware that the careful assessment he refers to was carried out in 1966 and that the circumstances of many of the people have changed greatly since then and that there are a number of smallholders who deserve land on this estate who might not have been in that position in 1966 and that, therefore, there should be a new inspection carried out in order to ensure that these people are taken into consideration?
Yes, I am aware that much of what the Deputy said is correct and whatever reassessment has to be done I will direct that it should be done.
Is it usual to carry out an assessment up to three or four years before an estate is divided?
That is a silly question.
It is not a silly question. The Minister might be prepared to give a reasonable answer to it. Is it usual or not?
Put down a question and I will answer it.
I will put down a question. The Minister knows that this is one thing that has been caught out. Do not get the same as the fellow beside you. The arrogant fellows are all gone and the Minister will be going along with them if he is not careful.
The Deputy does not have to point. I told Deputy Bruton, from the Deputy's constituency, that if a reassessment is required, I will see that it is done.
The Minister must not be aware that it was arising out of a meeting that Deputy and I had with his officials that this turned up.
The Deputy is on the record now.