andMr. L'Estrange asked the Minister for Lands if he will make a statement on the measures he proposes to adopt in EEC conditions to prevent agricultural lands in areas where local farmers need more land from falling into the hands of speculators.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Agricultural Land Use.
41.
An important provision in a recent directive of the Council of Ministers aimed at the structural reform and modernisation of small farms is that opportunity and assistance will be offered to small farmers who adopt development plans for the purpose of improving efficiency and productivity to give them a standard of living comparable with the local non-agricultural sector. Priority in the allocation of land will be given to small farmers who have approved development plans.
As the House has already been informed measures are under close consideration at present to ensure the utilisation of all agricultural land coming on the market for structural reform purposes.
Could the Minister say if he proposes to bring any legislation before the House to bring the Land Acts up to date and have them in line with EEC conditions so that we can ensure that small farmers are in an adequately competitive position in getting land?
I suppose ultimately further legislation will be necessary.
Would the Minister agree that ultimately may be too late, that we shall be members of EEC, not ultimately, but on 1st January, 1973?
I do not agree that we are not in control of that situation.
Would the Minister not agree that if there is not legislation he will not be in control of it because he will not have statutory power.
To do what?
To do whatever he wishes to do to control this situation. If we do not get legislation to control the situation within six months it may be too late.
If it has to be passed within six months, we could do it.
I hope the Minister will be prepared to do it pretty quickly.