asked the Minister for Lands the average price per acre paid for land by the Land Commission in (a) 1971 and (b) 1972.
30.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Land Prices and Rents.
29.
asked the Minister for Lands the average rent payable in the last two years to the Land Commission for new holdings allotted in that period.
(Cavan): With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 30 together.
In accordance with the terms of section 5, Land Act, 1950, the Land Commission are required to pay the market value for lands acquired by them.
Having regard to the many factors affecting the price of individual properties such as size and quality, condition and character of dwellinghouse and farm buildings, proximity to fairs and markets, availability of amenities, et cetera, an overall average price figure for land acquired by the Land Commission in any one year would have little real significance.
The price paid by the Land Comsion for a particular estate will of course affect the resale price charged to the allottees and in addition where an exchange is provided the exchangee must be given credit for what he is surrendering. Since the circumstances of exchangees vary considerably an overall average figure for the annuity on new holdings allotted by the Land Commission would be of little value.
Does the Minister feel that the price being paid by the Land Commission is inadequate and that unless it is increased to the present day value of price for land, our small-holders will have little chance of having their economic holdings improved?
That is what you find out in Opposition.
(Cavan): Although I have not been asked this in the question, the Deputy will appreciate that people whose land is acquired compulsorily by the Land Commission are in law entitled to be paid the market value. The market value is decided by the appeal tribunal which is a judge of the High Court.