Gerry Reynolds
Question:442 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will provide figures in relation to the transfer or purchase of lands by non-nationals for each of the years from 1993 to 1997. [1704/98]
Written Answers. - Purchase of Lands.
Section 45 of the Land Act 1965 provides that all "non-qualified" persons must get the consent of the Land Commission before acquiring an interest in "agricultural" land. Although the term "qualified" person is sometimes assumed to refer only to Irish nationals there are other categories of "qualified" persons. Statutory Instrument 56 of 1995 broadened the term "qualified" person to include among other categories, persons whose principal residence is in an EU member state and corporate bodies incorporated in an EU member state.
Statistics in relation to consents issued to "non-qualified" persons in respect of 1993 to 1997 are as follows:
|
Year |
Non-qualified individuals |
Non-qualified companies |
Other non-qualified persons* |
|||
|
No. |
Area Has. |
No. |
Area Has. |
No. |
Area Has. |
|
|
1997 |
62 |
694 |
26 |
789 |
18 |
107 |
|
1996 |
50 |
596 |
21 |
326 |
23 |
386 |
|
1995 |
104 |
1,031 |
12 |
778 |
84 |
1,435 |
|
1994 |
230 |
2,300 |
52 |
2,102 |
264 |
4,880 |
|
1993 |
280 |
4,098 |
76 |
1,999 |
241 |
3,770 |
*Irish companies who were not covered by definition "qualified" person prior to 1995. The figures for 1996 and 1997 are for retrospective consents.