asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware of the necessity for transferring uneconomic holders from South Kerry to the Midlands, and whether the Land Commission are prepared to consider their applications; further, if he will state the number of uneconomic holders transferred from South Kerry, County Galway and County Mayo to the Midlands in the period from 1st January, 1956, to date.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Transfer of Kerry Uneconomic Holders.
The Land Commission have been engaged in the enlargement of uneconomic holdings in County Kerry as in other congested areas. This work has necessitated over the years the migration of farmers to counties outside Kerry as well as migration within the county. I am informed by the Land Commission that they have encountered in County Kerry a greater reluctance to migrate than in other counties and I should point out that it is not the application for a holding that matters; it is the suitability of a particular farmer and his holding which is the deciding factor in the selection of a migrant.
The numbers of uneconomic holders transferred to other counties from the areas named for the period in question are as follows:—South Kerry, 5; East Galway, nil; West Galway, 12; North Mayo, 7; South Mayo, 8.