asked the Minister for Lands the acreage of land acquired by the Land Commission at 31st December, 1974.
33.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Land Acquisition and Division.
27.
asked the Minister for Lands the acreage of all lands, excluding forestry lands, acquired during the year ended 31st December, 1974.
(Cavan): With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 27 and 33 together.
Up to 1st January, 1975, Land Commission records relating to the acquisition and division of lands were kept on the basis of the financial year ended 31st March and not of the calendar year. Figures for the year ended 31st December, 1974, are not therefore readily available. However, it may meet the Deputy's requirements to know that in the year ended 31st March, 1974, the Land Commission acquired some 20,400 acres and divided 34,200 acres. Final figures for the nine-month period ended 31st December, 1974, which excludes the peak allotment months, are not yet available but it is expected that acquisition and allotment figures will be in the region of 14,600 acres and 8,000 acres respectively.
Did the Minister give a figure which represents acquisitions during the year ended 31st March, 1974 and also a figure in respect of distributions during the same year?
(Cavan): Yes.
This is not an accurate picture of the total amount involved. I am referring to the balance.
(Cavan): The figures were for the year ended 31st March, 1974. For that period they are accurate.
Could the Minister tell us what was the cost involved in the purchase and addition of land for the nine-month period concerned?
That is a separate matter.
(Cavan): If a question were tabled to that effect I could give the information.