asked the Minister for Lands whether in view of the increase in the purchase of large farms by foreigners and by persons not interested in farming such lands to maximum production, and the discontent felt by uneconomic landholders who cannot get adequately sized holdings, steps will be taken to enable the Land Commission to purchase speedily any farms offered for sale which would be suitable for settling thereon agricultural families and for the relief of local congestion, with particular reference to the lands, now for sale, of Lochpark Farm owned by Lady Cusack Smith.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Purchase of Farms.
18.
The reports of large scale purchases by aliens are without foundation and are largely spread by sensational Sunday newspapers.
With a single exception no specific complaints have been made to the Land Commission and I would ask Deputies to inform their constituents that no conditions have arisen which would necessitate any special action.
I would refer the Deputy to the Taoiseach's reply of 21st November, 1957, and my reply of 25th February, 1959, to questions about the purchase of lands by non-nationals. As the Deputy is aware, the Land Commission have wide acquisition powers. It has been the policy to acquire suitable lands, from non-nationals as well as nationals, where the lands are not giving adequate production and employment, and are required for the relief of congestion.
This policy continues unchanged and every effort is being made to expedite the investigation of all suitable lands coming to the notice of the Land Commission, including the lands in question.
The Minister states the policy is unchanged and that it has been the policy for a long time. Does the Minister not accept my view that the policy should be changed and that it is time it was changed? The lands in question have been purchased by a foreigner. Does the Minister not think it is time that that policy should be abolished and the Land Commission should take over the lands for the relief of about 40 congests in that area?
I have just informed the Deputy that the matter is being considered.
What?
Question No. 19.
Just a moment, Sir. I want a reply to my question.
I am doubtful that it is a question.
You put it on the Order Paper.
I am speaking of the Deputy's Supplementary Question.
We shall hear more about this, of course. It will be like Banagher.