asked the Minister for Lands why the Land Commission failed to acquire the Michael Varley Estate, Ballinacregga, Headford, County Galway in view of the fact that there are many uneconomic holdings in that district.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Headford (Galway) Estate.
29.
The Land Commission considered the question of the acquisition of this 30 acre holding but decided to take no action as it had recently been sold to a neighbouring progressive farmer.
Is the Minister aware that there are six farmers living within a one-mile radius of that holding whose valuations average £15? For the life of me, I cannot see why this 30-acre farm should be sold to this gentleman, considering these six farmers are living in poverty and need this land very badly. Furthermore, of these 30 or 40 acres, there are only eight acres of arable land. What use could such a 30-acre farm be to the purchaser in that particular locality?
My information is that the man who bought this farm is a very progressive farmer. He bought it for his son and there is no doubt at all that excellent use will be made of the land. With regard to the second part of the Deputy's question, if there are a number of uneconomic holders in the area, it would appear to me that eight acres of arable land would be of very little benefit to them. I doubt if eight acres divided between six smallholders would do any of them any good.
Did the Parliamentary Secretary say that the man bought it for a song?
For his son.
Is it the policy of the Land Commission to give the equivalent of 45 acres of good land to every farmer?
That is a separate matter.
It is not. It arises out of the Minister's reply. What point is there in this gentleman getting 30 acres of land. He could not live on these 30 acres.