asked the Taoiseach if he will arrange to have compiled and made available to the Dáil full particulars of land acquired by non-nationals during each of the years 1944-50, giving in each case the counties in which the land was acquired, the acreage involved and the price paid for it.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Land Acquisition by Non-Nationals.
A compilation such as the Deputy suggests would require the setting-up of elaborate machinery to ascertain the desired particulars and would involve such expenses as would not in my judgement be justified. The situation regarding sales of land to persons other than Irish citizens has been under observation for some time and will be kept continuously under review.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary not agree that the purchase of land by non-nationals has now reached serious proportions?
I have no evidence which would suggest that such is the case.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that very recently a statement was made by a very reliable authority, a land commissioner, that in the last few years approximately 100,000 acres of the best land in Ireland had passed into the hands of non-nationals? In view of that state of affairs and that statement made by a responsible individual, does the Parliamentary Secretary not consider it necessary that we should have all possible information in connection with land acquired by non-nationals?
I have no evidence which would justify the belief that the situation gives cause for any undue alarm.
Surely the statement of a responsible individual should give cause for grave concern and should call for some steps in the matter?
A Deputy
Who said he was responsible?
Could the Parliamentary Secretary arrange to supply to the Dáil particulars of the amount of land acquired by non-nationals?
I have already said that I do not think the expense or the trouble would be justified.