Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 18 Oct 1922

Vol. 1 No. 23

CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. - LAND PURCHASE.

PROINSIAS MAC AONGHUSA

To ask the Minister for Agriculture whether, having regard to the vital importance of the settlement of the land question, which deals with the staple industry of the country, it is the intention of the Government to introduce at an early date legislation on the matter, having regard to:—

(1) The large number of holdings which are unpurchased, and the disadvantage under which the tenants of same hold compared with those who have bought under the various purchase acts, and the disaffection consequent thereon, and the desire of both landlords and occupiers to end dual ownerships.

(2) The amount of land vested in or under control of the Congested Districts Board or other Boards, and the large tracts of fertile lands held on the ranching system which afford little or no employment, and which, if dealt with on equitable terms would leave for immediate distribution amongst the occupiers of uneconomic holdings, the evicted tenants and their representatives and agricultural workers sufficient land to provide all with holdings which would enable them and their families to have a fair return for their labour, and be of the greatest advantage to the State, and the community generally.

Mr. P. HOGAN

I have to answer this question verbally. I must refer the Deputy to an answer I gave to Deputy Darrell Figgis some time ago to the same questions. I may add that it is easy to prepare a scheme. The difficulty and delay will be financial, and will be connected with the taking over of the finances of the Land Commission by the Provisional Government.

Mr. McGUINNESS

That is hardly complete. I would like an answer to the question. I do not think it is reasonable to refer me back to a month since; also, I would like an answer to the last part of the question which deals with the ranching system by Order in Council or some way to get the tenants fixed on coming in before next March.

Mr. HOGAN

I have answered the question, I have to refer the Deputy to an answer which I gave to a similar question on the same subject and addressed to me by Deputy Figgis on the 12th ultimo. The answer is contained in No. 3 of the official Parliamentary Debates, and was as follows:—

This Government—which is a Provisional Government—will only continue in office until the Constitution is enacted and the Free State Government formed in accordance with the terms of the Constitution. Under present arrangements the Constitution must be enacted by the 6th December. It is not proposed to bring a Bill before the Dáil for the completion of Land Purchase before the Constitution is enacted. The Prosional Government cannot answer for the Free State Government that will be formed after the 5th December. It is recognised, however, that the problem of Land Purchase must be dealt with at the earliest opportunity, and a scheme for the completion of Land Purchase is being considered, and will be at the disposal of the Minister for Agriculture of the Free State. I may add that there is little difficulty in putting a scheme of Land Purchase on paper. The difficulty will arise in the financing of such a measure, and particularly in connection with the arrangement which will have to be made with England as to the taking over of the present Land Purchase debt.

Mr. McGUINNESS

May I suggest that the Minister should deal with the ranching portion of the question?

AN CEANN COMHAIRLE

You cannot make a suggestion at question time.

Mr. HOGAN

We can deal with the land question in a debate, but not as a subject of a question and answer.