(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Agriculture if, in view of the absence of an appropriate authority and in anticipation of the proposed new legislation to control the purchase of agricultural land, and considering the drop in land prices, he will now take special interim measures to protect the position of small holders who wish to purchase additional land and who are at a severe financial disadvantage compared with non-farming interests.
Written Answers. - Purchase of Agricultural Land.
33.
I do not think it would be wise to introduce special interim measures to deal with this issue without a complete examination of all the options available. When the legislation to abolish the Land Commission is being introduced I expect to be in a position to indicate the proposed approach to future land policy, including the question of providing smaller farmers with a better opportunity to compete for land on the open market.