asked the Minister for Agriculture in view of a series of replies which he has given to Dáil questions recently that the Land Commission have no proposals for the acquisition of various estates, if it is now the policy of the Land Commission to cease acquisition proceedings for land throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Land Acquisition.
760.
It is the policy of the Land Commission to use their compulsory powers in the interests of land settlement. However, due to budgetary constraints the direct acquisition of land by the Land Commission has had to be curtailed. Instead local smallholders are being encouraged to join as a group to buy land coming on the market. The Land Commission will give all the help and advice required to such a group in relation to mapping, subdivision and subsequent rearrangement.
761.
asked the Minister for Agriculture the total number of holdings which have been acquired by the Land Commission for the year ended 30 April 1983.
Two hundred and three holdings.