asked the Minister for Lands if he will take immediate steps to acquire and divide derelict holdings as a means towards enlarging present small uneconomic holdings, particularly in areas where migration is difficult or impossible.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Derelict Holdings.
The question of the action to be taken to make productive such holdings as are derelict for one reason or another is under constant consideration by the Land Commission. Holdings are sometimes left unused and more or less derelict following default in payment of instalments of land purchase annuities, and in other cases because of domestic or legal disputes.
Acquisition by the Land Commission would not in all cases solve the problem, as the Deputy may well understand.
In view of the fact that the Land Commission has difficulty in increasing the present small uneconomic holdings in many cases, would the Minister consider embarking on a policy of resuming or acquiring these derelict holdings and dividing them amongst neighbouring land holders with small uneconomic holdings as a means of settling the land question? I fully realise the Minister's difficulties with regard to migration, but I think the suggestion would go a long way towards solving the problem.
If the Deputy understands the difficulties of migration, he will also understand the difficulties of resumption. While it would possibly be the most direct way of settling many of the land troubles in the congested areas, it would also be much more unpopular in the country, and even here, than the method we are using.
Much more unpopular?
The resumption of small holdings from people who did not like to give them up. Deputy Dillon would call it grabbing.
And it would be something very like it. The Minister might call it by that name, too. Do not try to wish it off on me.