asked the Minister for Lands the position regarding the Michael McDonnell estate, Tubberconnor, Four Roads, County Roscommon; and if he will request the Land Commission to acquire these lands.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Roscommon Lands.
36.
The determination of lands to be acquired is a matter reserved exclusively to the Lay Commissioners. I shall arrange to have the Deputy's representations brought to their attention.
I requested the Minister to instruct the Land Commission to acquire these lands and divide them among the people in the area who are badly in need of land. There are people in the area, who are not badly in need of land, and business people who are inclined to purchase this land and I ask the Minister to ensure that these are not allowed to buy it.
That is a separate question.
As the Deputy knows, I cannot do that. All I can do is bring the Deputy's representations to the notice of the Lay Commissioners.
Does the Minister not think it would be more advantageous to acquire the land and divide it among those engaged in agriculture in the area?
I do not have an opinion in the matter. This is exclusively a function of the Lay Commissioners.
Policy is a function of the Minister.
It is.
Is this not policy?
No. This is a matter of fact. I do not know what the circumstances are, but this is a function of the Commissioners and the Commissioners act on their own.
If you allow other people who are not engaged in agriculture to buy land and engage in agriculture, does that not further restrict those with uneconomic holdings already engaged in agriculture?
This discussion does not arise on this question.
The Deputy asks "if he will request the Land Commission to acquire these lands" and I have told the Deputy that I will bring his representations to the notice of the Lay Commissioners. That is all I can do.