asked the Minister for Lands whether any arrangements have been made with the Land Commission to provide alternative holdings for the farmers whose holdings have been compulsorily acquired in connection with the Liffey hydro-electric scheme; and, if not, whether he will consider the necessity for migrating these people to suitable holdings outside the area of the hydro-electric works.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Provision of Alternative Holdings.
The system of compensation to occupiers of land compulsorily acquired by the Electricity Supply Board for purposes of the Liffey hydro-electric scheme has been on a cash basis, not by the provision of alternative holdings. Dispossessed occupiers, if they so desire, may purchase alternative holdings for themselves in the open market out of the cash compensation paid to them by the Electricity Supply Board.
The Department of Industry and Commerce and the Electricity Supply Board have, in fact, been in touch with the Land Commission on this matter for a considerable time past and it was arranged between the Departments that in cases where occupiers find themselves unable to purchase suitable holdings, the Land Commission, in order to avoid hardship, will be prepared, if the land should be available on estates acquired by them, to allot a limited number of parcels of untenanted land to dispossessed occupiers who apply therefor, on a purchase basis not involving any loss to the State.
Was any precaution taken to see that the individuals do not lose?
Mr. Boland
That is a matter between the people and the Electricity Supply Board.
Surely not?
Mr. Boland
Surely the Deputy is not suggesting that the Land Commission are responsible?
We divide this up between three different Departments, the Land Commission, the Electricity Supply Board and the Minister for Industry and Commerce. I am putting it to the Minister, is it fair that precautions are taken in time to ensure that the State do not lose, if it be at the cost of the individual?
Mr. Boland
I suggest that is a matter for another Department.
Precisely.
Mr. Boland
It is not a matter for the Land Commission. If a question is addressed to that other Department, they may answer it, but it is not a matter for the Land Commission.