asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware that the present policy of the Land Commission in regard to the subdivision of small holdings is detrimental to the interests of residents of the Gaeltacht and congested districts and whether he is prepared to introduce proposals for legislation to deal with the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Subdivision of Small Holdings.
I am not aware that the position is as indicated in the first part of the question. The policy of the Land Commission regarding subdivision is to prevent the creation of uneconomic holdings and it is not proposed to depart from that policy.
Is the Minister aware that in County Kerry, in a number of applications for subdivision, most of them for housing purposes, the Land Commission closed down on transfer and would not allow subdivision to take place on the plea that the holding that would be reclaimed would be uneconomic? In view of the fact that all the holdings there are small, that standard is too high. The subject-matter of my question is to adjust that.
It is opposed to the policy to divide holdings of, say, £10 or £11 valuation. I think the policy is right but if the Deputy has particular cases in mind I will be glad to inquire into them if he sends me the particulars.