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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 8 Jun 1978

Vol. 307 No. 5

Ceisteanna—Questions . Oral Answers . - Land Prices .

25.

asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of the recent statement of the President of Macra na Feirme regarding the effects of speculation on land prices, and the problems this creates for farmers who wish to extend their holdings; and if he will make a statement on the issue.

: I have seen press reports of the statement referred to and I would refer the Deputy to the reply given to his Question No. 37 of 20 April last in regard to speculation in agricultural land.

The final report of the Inter-Departmental Committee on Land Structure Reform has since been presented to the Government and is at present being examined. The report will be published shortly.

I can assure the Deputy that when formulating future land policy I will be specially concerned with the problem of progressive smallholders who are unable to secure additional land.

: In relation to the publication of this document, does the Minister anticipate making a statement of the Government's conclusions regarding the document simultaneously with its publication or will he publish the document for discussion with a view to making Government decisions subsequently?

: Rather than make an instantaneous comment on the very difficult problem of land structures, I would prefer to legislate quickly and effectively. The people who are involved in this, smallholders looking for extra land to become economic, do not want any more statements; they want change in the law that will give them some decent chance of expanding. It is my hope and intention to provide that chance.

: Will the Minister make an announcement simultaneously with the publication of the report?

: We will not keep the House or the country in the dark regarding our intention.

: While waiting for the report, would the Minister consider making the Land Commission put an order under section 40 on all sales of land? Surely he is aware that a lot of land is being put on the market in anticipation of some control when this report goes to the Government. Speculators are buying land on this assumption. If there was an order on all land under section 40, there would be control for three months.

: I would be glad to consider any measure that would prevent the continuation of the abuses of which we are all aware. Whether the use of section 40—notice to people selling land—would be the best way, I cannot say immediately. However, I will bear in mind what the Deputy says and have it examined.

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