Thomas Foxe
Ceist:5 Mr. T. Foxe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry when the Land Commission scheme for the Willsandford Estate in the townlands of Willsbrook and Shankoagh, Castlerea, County Roscommon, will be implemented.
Ceisteanna-Questions. Oral Answers. - County Roscommon Land Disposal.
As the allocation of land is a matter reserved by law to the Land Commissioners I have no function in the matter.
However, I understand that proposals for the disposal of the lands on this estate are being finalised with a view to early allotment.
I understand the Act under which the Land Commission was abolished stated that any land not divided by a certain date would revert to the original owner. Is there fear of that happening?
I am not aware of that. The matters appear to be finalised and there is hope of an early allotment. I will come back to the Deputy on the specific question. I was not made aware of any such provision.
Could the Minister put a date on it?
As this is not a matter which relates to my Department, I am not able to give the Deputy a specific date. That is my understanding from inquiries made on foot of the Deputy's question.
It is amazing that the Minister should state it is not a matter for his Department. This is being dealt with by officers of his Department in an office in Cavan. They are officers who are paid out of the Department's Vote. I find it difficult to accept that the Minister is not well advised on it.
A question, please.
I have talked about this to officers of the Minister's Department in Cavan.
I am waiting for a question.
That is the question.
A rhetorical one.
Perhaps the Deputy might rephrase it.
I will name the officers dealing with it.
That would not be in order.
The allocation of land is a matter reserved by law for the Land Commissioner. The Land Commission is legally entitled to allot this land, and the position is as I outlined it to the Deputy.