asked the Minister for Lands what is the average length of time between the acquisition of a farm and its division.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Land Acquisition and Division.
28.
Every effort is made to dispose of lands acquired by the Land Commission as rapidly as possible and there are standing instructions to the effect that lands should not be retained on hands longer than two years save where the Commissioners specifically direct otherwise. An exception has to be made where lands are destined for migrants—buildings have to be erected and other improvements carried out—or where, in occasional cases, the preparation of resale proposals has to be deferred in the interests of ensuring that the scheme of division ultimately settled will be the best possible one. I dealt with this matter fully when replying to the debate on the Lands Estimate last year and I would refer the Deputy to columns 2228-2230 of the Official Report dated 25th May, 1966.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary agree that in some cases lands have been in the hands of the Land Commission for 15 years?
I cannot accept that as a fact. The general policy at the moment is that land should not be any longer than two years in the hands of the Land Commission, unless, for some specific reason, there is a direction to act otherwise.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary inquire from the Minister for Lands and confirm the fact that lands near Straide in County Mayo have been in the Land Commission's hands for 15 years?
If that is so, it is for some specific reason.
I have sent him a case where there is land in the Land Commission's hands for ten years. Would the Parliamentary Secretary see that the Minister will do something about it?
If the Deputy goes to the Minister, I am sure the Minister will deal with it.
I am fed up writing to the Minister.