(Cavan-Monaghan) asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that a 100-acre farm in County Cavan (details supplied) has recently been purchased by a large farmer residing about 20 miles from the holding and if he will ask the Land Commission to acquire the lands for the relief of congestion.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cavan Farm.
6.
I understand that the Land Commission are aware of the sale of these lands. They have no proposals for the acquisition of the property but they are having inquiries made in the matter.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Does that mean that a section 40 notice has been served?
I do not think such a notice has been served. The Land Commission have initiated inquiries and, if they establish that there is justification for the service of such a notice, that will be done.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Is a section 40 notice not the first step in making inquiries? Is it not a fact that section 40 notices are not now being served unless on instruction from the Minister's office?
Such notices are being served. In fact, up to a few months ago 370 such notices had been served. However, due to the postal dispute there has been a slowing down in the number of notices being served, but there has not been a change of policy.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Will the Minister take note of the fact that this farm is in the midst of a very congested area of small farmers and will he also note that the purchaser owns——
The Deputy is giving the Minister an instruction.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Will the Minister take note of it? Will the Minister also note that the purchaser owns upwards of 200 acres of land on both sides of the Border, that he is a cattle dealer and that he lives much more than 20 miles away? Will the Minister authorise the Land Commission to go after this farm?
I will certainly bring the points raised by the Deputy to the notice of the Land Commission. Inquiries are taking place and, if it can be established that there is a need for this land in the locality or if the person buying it is not a person who under the Act would be entitled to land, I am sure the Land Commission would take the appropriate action.
(Cavan-Monaghan): It is a perfect scandal——
Question No. 7.
(Cavan-Monaghan): ——that this sale should be allowed to go through.