asked the Minister for Lands if, in view of the fact that the Agricultural Credit Corporation have declared their land purchase loan policy to bring the small and medium sized farmers up to 120 acres of arable land, he has considered changing the 45-acre maximum operated by the Land Commission.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Land Purchase Policy.
24.
Under current land settlement policy, holdings and enlargements are planned to provide family farms of 40 to 45 acres of good land or the equivalent in land of mixed quality.
The future policy of the Land Commission is at present under examination with a view to the early implementation here of the structural improvement measures recently adopted by the Council of Ministers of the EEC. The fundamental aim of these measures is to ensure that farm incomes generally will reach the level obtainable in the non-agricultural sector.
I must emphasise that while the ACC operate on a commercial basis, the land settlement programme of the Land Commission has both social and economic aspects. Obviously, therefore, the aims of both organisations cannot be equated.
Could the Minister tell me when he is likely to be able to announce the adjustments in the loan policy to take account of the changed situation in the EEC?
Fairly soon.
Could the Minister tell me if he will discuss the draft policy with any farming organisations prior to the Government making their firm policy?
I will talk to farming organisations at any time. I have had meetings with them and I am prepared to talk with them at any time.
With regard to the restructuring, has any decision been taken by the Minister in relation to the method of paying the present unemployment assistance being paid to farmers?
That is a separate question.
I am sorry, I did not hear the Deputy.
I am putting it to the Minister that the EEC and requirements towards restructuring will prohibit us from continuing to pay unadulterated dole to farmers, that, therefore, payment will have to be made to them in some other way. Has the Minister any views on what other way it might be paid?
That is a separate question.
It is a question which concerns other Ministers and which will be the subject of a Government decision. However, I have certain views on it.
The Minister's views will need to be made known quickly.