asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware that a farm (particulars supplied) in County Sligo is being purchased by a businessman who lives eight miles from it; and if he will prevent the completion of this sale with a view to having the lands in question acquired by the Land Commission for distribution amongst uneconomic holders in the locality.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Sligo Farm Purchase.
68.
I am aware that there has been a sale of this farm; I am also advised that the transaction was later the subject of court proceedings and the Circuit Court in May last confirmed the sale. The Land Commission have no proceedings for the acquisition of the lands.
Is the Minister aware of the position in my constituency in relation to the Land Commission? Is he aware that business and professional people are buying up land all over the place, as far away as eight miles from their places of residence in some cases, and I wonder is it in conformity with the rules of the Land Commission to allow such purchases? Is the Minister further aware that the small farmer in the West is being virtually squeezed out of existence because, due to lack of capital, he cannot compete with those wealthier people?
As I have already pointed out to the Deputy, this matter was the subject of court proceedings in the Circuit Court and my information is that in that particular area, congestion is not very acute; there is a holding at present on offer to the Land Commission which, if acquired, will satisfy the requirements of the local people.
Is the Minister aware that the purchaser of this land is a businessman who lives eight miles from the farm? Is he aware that court proceedings will not be finalised until 1st July?
That is not my information. My information is that the Circuit Court in May last confirmed the sale.
Question No. 69.
Would the Minister say if he is prepared to allow business people to buy land eight miles from their places of residence when there are small uneconomic holders in the area?
That is a separate question.
I have already explained to the Deputy that there is a farm on offer to the Land Commission and, if it is purchased, it will satisfy the requirements of the small farmers in the area.
Is the Minister aware——
I am calling Question No. 69. We cannot debate this question all evening.
Is the Minister aware that I have a farm on offer to the Land Commission for the past 12 months and I have heard nothing yet?
If the Deputy will give me the particulars, I will have the matter inquired into.