asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state in regard to land leasing whether a standard type lease will be made available which will contain basic safeguards for lessor and lessee.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Land Leases.
4.
Two model leases are available. One was drawn up jointly by the Irish Farmers Association and Allied Irish Banks working in co-operation with the Incorporated Law Society of Ireland and the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors. The other model was drawn up by the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society. The precise provisions to be included in any individual lease will, of course, be a matter for the parties concerned in each case.
What is the length of time involved in the leases?
There is no specific period mentioned as far as I am aware.
(Limerick West): When will we have legislation on land leasing?
I promised that it would be introduced in March 1984 and I am adhering to that promise.
When the legislation is introduced will there be a specific length of time mentioned in the leases?
There is a tendency to question what will be in a Bill when it is presented to the Dáil and anticipate a Second Reading debate. That is not in order.
I do not intend that.
It is the thin end of the wedge.
It is in the question.
Is it the intention to legislate against the 11-month system? If so, is the Minister aware of the consequences this would have for many tillage farmers?
The Minister said he would introduce a measure this month. Although the Deputy probably does not realise it, what he is doing is having a debate on a Bill which has not been introduced.
(Limerick West): What safeguards are there for lessees? This is contained in the question.
All that information will be in the Bill. Basically the Bill is to eliminate many of the inhibitions which prevent long-term leasing.
Is the Minister aware that the Land Commission do not have sufficient money to purchase land?
That does not arise on this question.
In some counties big farmers are getting bigger and small farmers have very little opportunity to buy land. What does the Minister intend to do about that?
That does not arise on this question. I ask Deputies to be reasonable and realistic.
It is very worrying.
It may be, but the Deputy can worry about it somewhere else.
Nothing whatever was done last year.
(Interruptions.)
The Minister to answer the next question.