asked the Minister for Lands why cash is not being paid in respect of a farm acquired by the Land Commission at Fortwilliam, Virginia, County Cavan.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Land Acquisition and Division.
18.
Cavan): The farm in question is being acquired by the Land Commission under their compulsory powers. In such cases the law prescribes that payment must be made in Land Bonds and this has been the position since the passing of the Land Act, 1923.
Since 1950, the Land Commission have had authority to pay in cash for land purchased by them on a voluntary basis. In other words, when an owner is willing to sell and an agreement on the price is reached, they can pay in cash, just as in any private sale. As to the farm referred to by the Deputy, however, the owners and the Land Commission, following negotiations which went on for some months, failed to reach agreement. The owners then took the matter in the normal way to the Appeal Tribunal which, so to speak, acts as an independent arbitrator between the parties and it fixed the price to be paid.
Once the matter was decided by the Appeal Tribunal the law required payment in Land Bonds. As I have said already, this has been the statutory position since the foundation of the State and neither the Land Commission nor anyone else has any legal authority to vary the method of payment.
Does the Minister realise that despite the provisions of the 1923 Act some statements made by him about the acquisition of land and the payment of cash therefore, led this particular person to believe that all future deals and acquisitions of land would be paid for in cash? She now feels angry and let down.
(Cavan): I do not know to what particular references by me the Deputy refers, but if he will give the statements I am alleged to have made I will be in a position to deal with them. Since I became Minister I have never stated that all future payments for land would be in cash. I made certain statements about the retirement scheme in which I made it clear that all payments under that scheme would be in cash.
Is the Minister saying that future acquisitions by the Land Commission of land will not be related to the provisions of the directives?
(Cavan): I am sure the Deputy is aware that the directive refers only to the retirement scheme drawn up under the directive. All payments for land purchased—and I emphasise purchased —by the Land Commission under the retirement scheme will be paid for in cash. That is correct.
Does the Minister recall saying in reply to one of my questions that it was his intention to phase out paying by Land Bonds altogether? Has he changed his mind?
(Cavan): No, I have not. Nobody is very pleased with Land Bonds. I seem to recollect some of my predecessors, including my immediate predecessor, saying that they hoped to phase out land bonds.
The Minister knows this cannot be done because it would cost too much. He must be realistic.
(Cavan): The whole question is being considered.
Is the Minister saying that he would like to pay for all land acquisitions with cash instead of land bonds but the cash is not available?
(Cavan): I have not said any such thing.
Question No. 19. We must make further progress.
19.
asked the Minister for Lands if the Land Commission proposes to purchase the Scott Potterton farm at Freffans Great, Trim, County Meath.
(Cavan): There are no proceedings for the acquisition of the property referred to.
I shall arrange to have the Deputy's interest brought to the attention of the Land Commission.
There have been deputations to the Department about this farm and I am sure some inquiries must have been made. Has a final decision been taken to go ahead?
(Cavan): As the Deputy knows the acquisition of land is entirely a matter for the Lay Commissioners and is not one for the Minister for Lands. It has been reserved by law to the Commissioners. My information from the Land Commission is that they have no proceedings for the acquisition of this property for the moment.
20.
asked the Minister for Lands if the Land Commission proposes to purchase Darcy Thompson's farm at Rathnally, Trim, County Meath.
(Cavan): The Land Commission have no proceedings for the acquisition of the property referred to but inquiries are being made.
21.
asked the Minister for Lands if the acquisition of the Keays estate, Caherconlish, County Limerick is in progress.
(Cavan): Proceedings for the compulsory acquisition of the property referred to are in progress. The prescribed statutory notices have just been served on the interested persons.
22.
asked the Minister for Lands if he has given permission for the subdivision of a holding on the property of a person (name supplied) in County Kildare; and, if so, why.
(Cavan): From the particulars furnished it has not been found possible to identify the holding referred to by the Deputy, but if further information is supplied I will arrange to have the matter examined and a reply sent to the Deputy.
23.
asked the Minister for Lands when it is proposed to divide the Woodstock estate at Kilcoole, County Wicklow.
(Cavan): Some 29 acres of the property referred to have already been allotted to the Wicklow County Council for industtrial development, housing, and so on.
Final arrangements for the disposal of the remainder of the lands have not yet been made but investigations are at present being carried out on the ground in connection therewith. Every effort will be made to have the matter finalised as early as possible.
Questions Nos. 24 to 27, inclusive, postponed.