asked the Minister for lands why Longford was excluded from those areas classified as congested under the recent Land Act; and if, in view of the fact that many of the poor law valuations in the area are as low as £6 5s. he will have this county included in the scheme as soon as possible.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Longford as Congested Area.
26.
As I have pointed out previously in reply to similar questions and in the course of the debates on The Land Act, 1965, I consider that priority should be afforded to the traditional congested areas where congestion has for so long been so pronounced and that it would, as yet, be premature to declare additional areas under section 4 of the Act.
Will the Minister consider classifying this area as a congested area?
I am aware that there is congestion in Longford and I am at the moment in consultation with my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, in connection with pilot areas; there are some pilot areas situated in Longford. I shall consider as far as possible what can be done to alleviate the position in these areas.
Arising out of that, I think the Minister will find it possible, considering the valuations and the acute problem we have in North Longford, in particular, because of low valuations——
The Deputy is making a speech.
I am making a speech and you are not going to put me out of the House like you did my colleague I can assure you that, whatever case I make, I am sincere in making it.
The Deputy wants to keep them on his hands.
I will keep them and I will keep you out of a few thousand. I appeal to the Minister to consider the position of the small farmers of North Longford because there is an acute congestion problem there.
Speech.
A speech, if you like, but it is not a hypocritical speech like the Deputy has been making for a long time. This is an honourable speech. I hope I get as much publicity as the fellow who was thrown out got.
That annoyed the Deputy.