andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Agriculture whether in view of the changes required in the pattern of the agricultural industry an inquiry on the lines now being held into the future of Irish industries will be, or has been, instituted into the number of small holdings which will be extinguished should Ireland's application for full membership of the Common Market be accepted.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Common Market: Small Holdings Survey.
38.
The implications for Irish agriculture of joining the Common Market, including the possible repercussions on particular sectors, are at present being studied by special groups representative of agricultural and other organisations and of Government Departments.
Would the Minister say whether the Department of Lands are included in these discussions?
I do not think so. There are five producer organisations represented on the general committee and producers of special commodities are represented as well.
Surely if it is stated on fairly good authority that quite a number of smallholders and marginal farms in Europe are likely to be extinguished as a result of the agricultural policy of the Common Market, the Minister should say whether the Land Commission will be consulted as to whether the size of an economic holding in Ireland should not be altered.
That is a matter for consideration.
Has the Minister in mind the fact that if a number of smallholders are faced with going to the wall through the Common Market agricultural policy, arrangements should be made for them to make a living in their own country?
It does not arise relevantly on this question.