asked the Minister for Lands when it is proposed to divide the Mullaney estate, Cloonecastle, Ballinrobe, County Mayo.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mayo Estate.
8.
(Cavan): Proceedings for the acquisition of the property referred to terminated on 24th October, 1974, when an objection on behalf of the owner was heard and allowed by the lay commissioners.
Is the Minister aware that this is the only holding in this area where congests might have an opportunity of adding land to their existing holdings? Is he satisfied that the Land Commission acted in the best interests of the tenants there by allowing a person who was removed from the area to come in and purchase this holding?
(Cavan): As the Deputy knows, the objection was heard in open court in Castlebar by the lay commissioners on 22nd October last. The case of the Land Commission was put forward, the case of the objector was put forward and a decision was given. I am sure all relevant considerations were fully considered by the lay commissioners.
As a result of the Land Commission's decision in this area is the Minister aware that the feeling now is that a person who has resources will get attention rather than congests who are badly in need of land?
(Cavan): I am not so aware. All I can tell the Deputy about this case at the moment is that there was a full hearing in open court, when all the evidence was teased out and a decision given there by the lay commissioners.
Surely it is the policy, wrongly, I think, to give holdings to people of 45 acres?
I am afraid that is not relevant on this question. Question No. 9.
(Cavan): I am afraid the Deputy's supplementary is not relevant on this question.