asked the Minister for Lands whether, in the national interest, he will have the Land Acts amended in so far as they concern land division and land resumption, in view of the exploitation of many of the large holdings in the country by foreigners and others; and if he will make a statement.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Amendment of Land Acts.
As far as the Land Commission's powers of acquisition and resumption are concerned the same considerations apply to nonnationals as in the case of native owners. If a non-national purchases land in this country and fails to use it in a manner suited to national production needs, the existing powers of the Land Commission can be effectively used to acquire the land from him and to apply it towards the relief of congestion. The necessity for amending the Land Acts as suggested by the Deputy does not therefore arise.
Does the Minister seriously suggest that the powers which he states are there are being used by the Land Commission?
The powers of the Land Commission are adequately used in so far as partly worked lands are concerned and in so far as finances allow.