asked the Minister for Defence if he will state the rent paid per acre by tenants of his Department's property in the townlands of Lyreen and Billereagh West, County Cork; and how it compares with the annuities paid by occupiers of adjacent agricultural holdings.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork Military Lands.
The annual rent per acre paid by the tenants in question varies with the particular holding and ranges from 6d. to £1 5s. 6d. approximately, the overall average being 13/-.
I am not in a position to say how that average rent compares with the annuities paid by occupiers of adjacent agricultural holdings.
asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that the existing method of letting his Department's property in the townlands of Ballard, Lyreen and Billereagh West is not conducive to good husbandry and deprives the tenants of the benefits of loans for machinery, housing, etc., approved by the Oireachtas; and if he will consider giving these tenants such lettings as will enable them to take advantage of the various Land Purchase Acts.
I am not aware that the existing method of letting my Department's property is not conducive to good husbandry. I am aware that such tenants are not eligible for loans for machinery, housing, etc., approved by the Oireachtas. The methods of letting adopted are in accordance with normal practice and are designed to serve the best interests of the Department due regard being had to the conditions obtaining in each particular case.
In the case of the lands in the areas mentioned by the Deputy potential tenants were given the option of tendering for lettings for a five year term or on a year-to-year basis. I am advised that it is not possible for my Department to give the tenants in question any particular type of letting which would permit of their being admitted to the benefits of the various Land Purchase Acts. As I recently informed the Deputy, however, the question as to whether there is any alternative method by which the tenants might be brought within the provisions of those Acts is being examined.
Is the Minister aware that the rents paid by those tenants are at least double if not higher than the rents paid by tenants on adjoining holdings, and that those tenants have no opportunity and no hope of getting loans from the Agricultural Credit Corporation or from any other body? It is time that position ended.
I am awaiting a reply from the Land Commission. I have inquired from them if there are any alternative methods by which the tenants could benefit and be brought within the meaning of the Land Acts.
And I will endeavour to find some way of speeding up the Department of Defence and the Land Commission.