Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 19 Nov 1991

Vol. 413 No. 1

Written Answers. - Land Annuity Payments.

Ivan Yates

Question:

74 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will give details of the review group recently appointed by him in relation to outstanding land annuity payments for people who got allotments of land under the Land Commission; if he will outline (1) the terms of reference of this group, (2) when it is due to complete its work and (3) whether he intends to reduce the annual cost to such farmers in view of the decrease in land prices, arising from the drop in farm incomes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Dr. Woods)

The working party comprises the relevant assistant secretaries and representatives of the divisions concerned in the Department. Its terms of reference are to consider, and propose an effective solution to the land annuity arrears problem. The working party is due to report to me before the end of this year. Pending that, it would be premature for me to make any statement in regard to the possible solution to the problem.

Ivan Yates

Question:

75 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Wexford, who received land under the Land Commission, has to pay a rate of land annuity that is six times higher than that payable by other farmers who received land from the same estate; the steps that can be taken to ensure that they have a similar rate of land annuity repayment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Dr. Woods)

The determination of the price at which land is allotted is a matter reserved by law to the Land Commissioners and I have no function in the matter. I am however having further inquiries made and will communicate with the Deputy as soon as possible.