asked the Minister for Lands if he will state (a) the total acreage of land, exclusive of that resulting from operations under the farm retirement scheme, which has been acquired since 1st January, 1974, and (b) the acreage in respect of which settlement was made in cash.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Land Acquisition.
18.
(Cavan): Exclusive of lands obtained under the farmers' retirement scheme, the total area acquired or purchased by the Land Commission in the period 1st January, 1974, to 30th September, 1975, was 31,370 acres. Of this area 9,570 acres were paid for in cash.
I notice that there could be a certain ambiguity about this question. In respect of land not acquired under the farmers' retirement scheme 9,000 acres were paid for in cash.
(Cavan): Yes, 9,570 acres were paid for in cash and that compares very favourably with previous years. In 1970, 5,495 acres were paid for in cash; in 1971, 899 acres were paid for in cash; in 1972, 836 acres were paid for in cash; in 1973, 2,993 acres were paid for in cash and from 1st January, 1974, to 30th September, 1975, 9,570 acres were paid for in cash.
There will be no cash next year.
(Cavan): Put on your bright glasses. Do not always look on the black side.
I was hoping the Minister would not take me on the road back, I thought we were both more concerned with the road forward. Is he happy that at the moment we are taking land from people and giving them paper that——
The Deputy is extending the scope of this question.
The Minister gave a very comprehensive reply.
The Chair is concerned about the subject matter of the question.
One is entitled to comment not on details but on the overall position. Notwithstanding what has happened in the past, is the Minister happy with the amount of land which is being acquired at the moment and for which settlement is not being made in cash?
(Cavan): I am not happy that land bonds are in use at all. If the economic climate warranted it, I would have got rid of them. I am very surprised my predecessors did not get rid of them in a buoyant economy. For the first time in years the land bonds I introduced this year are standing at a premium and are on sale on the stock exchange at 104 and 105.
The 12½ per cent land bonds are standing at 82.
Was the 31,370 acres acquired for afforestation purposes only?
(Cavan): No.
Arising out of the Minister's reply——
I am sorry, Deputy Callanan, the Chair is trying to make some progress.
We got through 17 questions in one hour yesterday, but when I ask one supplementary question it is not given.
It is very difficult to satisfy some Deputies.