asked the Taoiseach if he is aware that on 26th November last the Minister for Local Government and Public Health, in a public address, indicated as the alternative agricultural policies open to this country (a) large farms, which would mean fewer farms and fewer farm workers, and (b) small farms with more farmers and more labourers, and said that as between these two the choice had been made; and if he will state which of these policies is the one chosen by the Government.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Government's Agricultural Policy.
I am aware that in a speech delivered on the 26th November last the Minister for Local Government and Public Health, speaking on national planning, referred to two conceivable land policies for this country —one, that of a highly mechanised agriculture with large farms, fewer farmers, and fewer farm workers. The other, that of smaller farms, more farmers, and more farm workers. The choice between these two policies, he said, had been made. I think it was quite clear from his speech that the policy which the Minister referred to as having been chosen is that indicated in Article 45 of the Constitution directed towards establishing on the land in economic security as many families as in the circumstances shall be practicable. This policy, which puts the social above the narrow economic aim, has been the basis of the activities of the Land Commission for a large number of years and it is the policy of the Government to maintain that basis.