asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of widespread speculation in agricultural land; and the measures he proposes to take to deal with the problem.
38.
Ceisteann—Questions. Oral Answers. - Land Speculation.
37.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that small-to medium-sized farmers find it impossible to compete with speculators in the purchase of additional land; and if he intends to introduce legislation to curb this abuse.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle I propose to take Questions Nos. 37 and 38 together.
I am not aware that there is widespread speculation in agricultural land. I do accept, however, that there is evidence that the land market is at present significantly influenced by wealthy non-farmers interests and indeed by larger farmers to the disadvantage of the smaller progressive farmers needing additional acreage. The Land Commission through their acquisition activities exercise a moderating and controlling influence on this situation but I do not think that this is sufficient. The Interim Report of the Inter-Departmental Committee on Land Structure Reform refers to the desirability of regulating the market in land so as to improve the competitive position of the smaller landholder and propose that all land sales be made subject to the appropriate authority— a land agency. When the final report of the committee is available, the whole question of introducing an overall system of control on rural land transactions will be considered fully by the Government.
Can the Minister tell the House when the report is expected? Is he not aware from his experience in the farming field of the utter frustration of these small- to medium-sized farmers who find it impossible to compete on the open market against speculators and others such as those mentioned in the reply? Surely they need some help at departmental level to enable them to compete and to acquire additional land.
I am hoping that the inter-departmental report will be available by the end of May or even about mid-May. I agree that it is impossible for small farmers to compete on the open market with big farmers and even with people who are in no way engaged in agriculture. Hopefully the report will include some definite views on this aspect of land sales.
Would the Minister agree that implementation of the recommendation of the interim report will require legislation?
If legislation is required I am sure it will be introduced.