asked the Taoiseach the number of land holdings in the Republic of over 500 acres; the number of holdings of over 1,000 acres; the size in acres of the largest holding of land; and the total acreage of land held by people who own 1,000 acres or more.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Land Holdings.
1.
The particulars requested by the Deputy are not available. The most relevant information available concerning the number of land holdings in different acreage groups is compiled from the particulars obtained in the quinquennial censuses of agriculture. The most recent agricultural census was taken in June, 1970. In compiling the results the largest size group used was "above 300 statute acres" and there were 2,502 holdings in this category in 1970. The size groups specified by the Deputy were not distinguished separately in the classification and neither was a specific record made of the size of the largest holding.
Is this information available at county council level throughout the country?
It may be available for other purposes but it is not collected in the census which is under the control of the Central Statistics Office.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary not think that this information is important, in view of the many schemes in which we are likely to participate because of our membership of the EEC and, therefore, should be made available?
I will pass the Deputy's view to the Central Statistics Office. In no event would details of an individual holding be given to the House.
I could give information to the House about Donegal.
Do the figures of over 2,000 holdings of above 300 acres make a distinction between 300 acres of mountain land and 300 acres of arable land?
I do not know offhand but I think not.
Are the figures available in each county?
Deputy Brennan has just asked me that question. For all I know they may be, but they are not returned in the census which is under the control of the Central Statistics Office.