asked the Minister for Lands if, owing to the failure of many Old I.R.A. men who were allotted farms of land under the recent Land Acts to work those holdings in a satisfactory manner, he will consider issuing cheap, long-term loans at 3 per cent. of £100 or £200 to such applicants for the purpose of stocking their land and buying farm implements.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Old I.R.A. Men's Holdings.
The Land Commission have no power to make such loans as the Deputy suggests and legislation for the purpose is not in contemplation. The means of an applicant for a parcel of untenanted land, and his capacity to work the land, are taken into account by the Land Commission prior to allotment. Farmers who require additional capital for stock and implements can apply for loans to the Agricultural Credit Corporation.