asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware that this season of the year is always a particularly lean period for farmers, and more so than usual this year owing to the bad markets for live stock; that farmers have up to now paid all the annuities they can possibly afford; and if, in the circumstances, he will issue instructions to the sheriff to cease operations at least until October or November next, when it is to be hoped money will be more plentiful.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sheriffs' Seizures.
As the Deputy is aware, instalments of land purchase annuities fall on the ratepayers of the county for the time they remain unpaid. I am not, therefore, prepared to agree to a suggestion which would have the effect of imposing an additional burden on the ratepayers who have discharged their own liability.