asked the Minister for Lands the acreage of land acquired by the Land Commission in County Meath since 1950; and what percentage has been allocated to Meath men.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Land Acquisition and Allocation in Meath.
57.
The total area acquired by the Land Commission in County Meath during the 11-year period from 1st April, 1950, to 31st March, 1961, was 19,533 acres. During the same period, an area of 16,893 acres was allotted in the county: of this, 6,639 acres, or 39.3 per cent. was allotted to County Meath allottees and the balance, viz. 10,254 acres, was allotted to migrants who surrendered an aggregate area of 10,723 acres for relief of congestion.
Is the Minister satisfied that the Meath people are getting a fair share of the land?
If the Deputy studies the figures I have given, he will see that they are getting a fair share.
They do not think so.
Would the Minister not agree that County Meath has had considerable attention from his Department and if he continues on this line, interrupting normal practice, where you do need a rather larger farm now to make a profit and if he continues in every acquisition of land in this county which is an excellent farming county——
That is a separate question.
The Land Commission must endeavour to acquire lands where they become available for the relief of congestion. The county in question is one of the counties in which large areas come on the market.
Does the Minister not think that the uneconomic holders in County Meath would make good farmers?
That is a separate question.
Nearly 40 per cent. of the uneconomic holders have been considered good farmers because in fact they got aid from the Land Commission.
Question No. 58.
(Interruptions.)
Over 100 farmers were transferred out of North Meath.
If you leave them alone, they will get——
I have called Question No. 58.
They got it.
I hope they will still continue——
Perhaps the House would listen to the Minister's reply?
The Minister for Posts and Telegraphs seems to be very irate.