asked the Taoiseach the percentage of Irish farmers who hold less than 45 statute acres.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Farm Acreage.
13.
On the basis of the 1971 census of population, it is estimated that 56 per cent of Irish farmers were working on farms of less than 45 statute acres.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary indicate what the position will be in respect of the information which will be necessary in this regard from now on?
I will try to discover that for the Deputy. I have no exact information and all I can tell him is that this figure is only estimated. In fact, census data relate to holdings under 40 and 50 acres. I have no other information at the moment.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary telling us that because there will be no population or other type of census this year up-to-date information in this regard will not be available?
No, but I should like notice of that question. I will inquire about it, even informally, if the Deputy wishes.
May we take it the matter is of such importance that, even if we have no general census, there might be a special census in this regard?
No. It was open to the Deputy to include that supplementary question in his original question. He did not do so and I have answered what I was asked.
I detect a certain lack of co-operation——
How did Deputy Tunney come to that conclusion?
——and it has always been the custom for Members to ask supplementary questions. It is anticipated that there will be one or two such questions arising from the original question and I do not think it is fair to this side of the House——
Has the Deputy a question to put?
Is it the intention to kill the whole idea of asking parliamentary questions?