asked the Minister for Lands the likely effect of the latest draft proposals on structural reform laid by the EEC Commission before the Council of Ministers on the land distribution policy of the Land Commission; and if he has made any representations in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Land Distribution Policy.
38.
Draft proposals aimed at the implementation of the EEC Council of Ministers' resolution of March last on structural reform in agriculture are under examination in the Land Commission. It is not possible at this stage to indicate the extent to which these proposals will be finally approved and adopted by the council. In these circumstances it would be premature to come to any final conclusion as to the effects of the proposals on the existing land distribution policy of the Land Commission. Under the agreed procedures we shall be given the opportunity, in due course, of presenting our full views to the Community on these matters.
Has the Minister thought it necessary to make representations about this matter in view of his own stated preference for the system of part-time farming and also in view of the fact that the Mansholt proposals, it is commonly agreed, do not look favourably on part-time farming? Has the Minister taken up this matter?
The answer is in the last part of my original reply.
Has the Minister taken up the matter to date?
I have already answered the Deputy and do not propose to answer the Deputy any further.
We have been an applicant for membership for some time and the Minister has been talking about this for some time.