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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 30 Oct 1969

Vol. 241 No. 13

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Land for Distribution.

93.

asked the Minister for Lands the total amount of land in the hands of the Land Commission (a) for-one year, (b) for two years, (c) for three years, (d) for four years, (e) for five years and (f) for six years or over.

The official statistics are not recorded in such a form as to make the precise information requested readily available. In any event the position regarding lands in the possession of the Land Commission for distribution is subject to constant fluctuation according as new properties are taken over and acquired. estate divided. The total area of arable lands on hands of the Land Commission at 31 March last was 60,000 acres, approximately. To ascertain the acreage which has been on hands for the various periods referred to in the question would entail the examination of numerous estate files, involving a disproportionate expenditure of time and labour which would not be warranted.

If the Deputy is concerned about any particular estate or group of estates and communicates with the Land Commission, the relevant details will be supplied to him.

Is this 60,000 acres of land for afforestation?

In view of the Minister's statement about the necessity to clear up matters pertaining to land in the hands of the Land Commission, can he tell the House if any significant progress or change has been made since his accession to office as Minister for Lands? Further, could the Minister tell us if he is satisfied that there has been a significant improvement in regard to clearing up transactions in lands speedily?

That is a distinct and separate question.

Is the Minister aware that I got an answer to a similar question three years ago giving statistics under the different headings?

To the same sort of question?

They must be becoming lazy over there.

The Minister said he would shake them up and I hope that he has.

I did say at the end of my reply that if the Deputy is concerned about any particular estate he should communicate with the Land Commission and they will supply the relevant details.

When I asked the question a couple of years ago there was some land that had been in the hands of the Land Commission for more than six years.

If the Deputy got that information then we can get it for him again without any further action on his part.

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