asked the Minister for Finance the number of estates purchased by non-Irish citizens in County Kildare during each of the last five years, indicating in each case the location and acreage of the lands and the nationality of the purchasers; and whether the new owners reside permanently on the purchased holdings, or are absentee owners of the properties.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Purchase of Kildare Estates by non-Irish Citizens.
56.
Until the coming into operation of the Finance Act, 1961, on 1st August last, the only records available of purchases of estates by non-nationals were those kept by the Revenue Commissioners in connection with the Stamp Duty chargeable on certain conveyances and transfers. These records did not contain particulars of the kind required by the Deputy. Since 1st August last, particulars of the relevant transactions are being recorded by the Land Commission under the procedure authorised by Sections 33 and 34 of the Finance Act, 1961. I understand, however, that no such transaction completed after that date has yet been recorded for Co. Kildare.
I understood the Minister for Lands to say during a discussion in this House recently that the Government had the whole matter under observation and was aware of what was happening. If that was so, is it possible that the Government have no statistical information as to the number of properties bought by non-Irish nationals in recent years?
We have, since the 1st August.
But not before that?
No.
So that the Minister is unable to say that any number of properties were bought because nobody can tell?
Before the 1st August we have only the record of those who paid the extra duty, the extra 25 per cent. That is the only record we have.
But is there no record kept of those who bought through companies?
We have a record of those who got exemption or exempted themselves.
Is there any record of pre-1947 companies used to purchase land?
No. We have no knowledge of them.
Did the Minister say that no case had come to light since 1st August in County Kildare?
No such transaction had been completed. It may be in process; I do not know about that.
I think it has been completed. The money has been paid anyway.