asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware that apprehension exists among farmers owing to the powers vested in the Land Commissioners by the Land Act, 1933, whereby lands which are not properly worked in the nation's best interests may be compulsorily acquired; and, in order to restore public confidence, if he will take the necessary legislative steps to have all such cases submitted to a judicial tribunal.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Compulsory Acquisition of Holdings.
I do not think there are grounds for such apprehension as the Deputy suggests, and I do not consider that the steps he desires are necessary.
The powers for the compulsory acquisition of land by the Land Commission afforded under the provisions of the Land Acts, 1923-39, were carefully devised to give only such jurisdiction to the Land Commissioners as was requisite for the reasonable accomplishment of land settlement, and I have no reason to suppose that those powers are excessive, or are in practice abused.