andMr. J. O'Leary asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of very long delays on the part of the Land Commission in finalising proposals for the acquisition of land and of the hardship imposed on local congests and landowners directly involved as a result of these delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Land Acquisition.
13.
As the Deputies are aware, the Land Commission have been invested with extensive acquisition powers, but in granting such powers the Legislature has been careful to safeguard the rights of owners whose lands may be subject to acquisition proceedings. An owner has the right of objection and appeal, as a result of which the legal process of acquisition is a lengthy one which frequently tends to follow the line of most rather than least resistance. In this connection, I may say that the Land Commission always endeavour to meet owners' reasonable requests with a view to bringing proceedings to finality as amicably and as quickly as possible.
Where lands are offered for sale to the Land Commission the transaction normally proceeds quickly and is completed with the minimum of delay. In some cases, however, title difficulties may arise and delay proceedings but I need scarcely say the question of establishing title is one for the owner rather than for the Land Commission and normally the Commission cannot assist to any great extent.
Is the Minister aware that there are hundreds of applications held up in his Department and that a number of landowners are dissatisfied with the undue delay in deciding acquisition proceedings?
They are not more dissatisfied with the delays than I am. The Deputy heard the explanation why these delays occur and the rights of owners.
Would the Minister not agree that it is the right of an owner to have his case decided as speedily as possible? Are his Department awaiting a report from an interdepartmental committee as regards the financing of the purchase of land?
That is not so. That has nothing to do with the speed with which land is being acquired or distributed. This committee are simply taking a fundamental look at the law relating to land.
A final question.
Would the Minister assure the House that no case is held up pending——
No case is held up because of the existence of this committee.
——the report of this committee?
No.
Arising from the Minister's reply——
I indicated earlier that I was calling the next question.