asked the Minister for Lands if he will state the number of standard and over-standard holdings which will be available in the eastern and midland counties for migrants this spring, and the approximate number of migrants from each of the congested areas counties which it is proposed to migrate this year.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Holdings for Migrants.
It is not possible at this stage to furnish the information sought by the Deputy. The availability of many holdings intended for migrants this season will depend on whether buildings, still in course of erection, are completed in time for allotment during the spring. The extent to which this year's quota of holdings can be allocated amongst the congested areas will, of course, depend on the number of holdings which ultimately become available for disposal.
Arising out of the series of answers given by the Minister, will he state if he will take steps to expedite the division of land acquired by the Land Commission?
The commission willingly agree to take cognisance of the huge amount of land acquired and not divided, and steps are being taken to complete the division of the land acquired. These lands cannot all be allocated in one year, having regard to the amount of the Vote available, but arrangements are in hand which should complete the division of these lands at the end of two or three years so that at that time the land on hands which will not have been divided will be land only recently acquired.
In regard to the question on the Order Paper, could the Minister give any indication of the date on which allocation will take place?
It is rather difficult. There have only been three major changes in land division policy since 1933 and it does take some time to deal with this difficult and tricky subject.