Vol. 477 No. 1
219 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if his attention has been drawn to any policy being pursued by other EU countries such as Denmark and Holland in relation to non-nationals purchasing tracts of land; if there is any distinction between the policy of other EU countries and the policy in Ireland in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8549/97]
As the formulation of policy relating to the general ownership and purchase of land in EU countries is essentially a matter for the relevant national authority in each country, the policies pursued will inevitably vary from one country to another. However, restrictions, if any, imposed by individual member states on the purchase of land within their territories must, under EU law, be non-discriminatory and apply equally to the member state's own nationals as well as to nationals of other member states. In addition, any such restrictions must be compatible with the requirements of Council Directive of 24 June 1988 which provides for the free movement of capital between persons resident in member states. I am not aware of any breaches by other member states of EU law in this regard.
