asked the Minister for Lands whether, in view of the initial heavy expenses incurred by migrants in their first year on a new holding, he will sympathetically consider initiating arrangements whereby rent and rates for that year would not be payable.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Relief for Migrants.
102.
I do not see that it would be practicable to waive a migrant's obligation to pay annuity and rates, as suggested by the Deputy.
When a migrant is moved, his removal expenses being paid by the Land Commission, he transfers his old holding to the commission and he must get possession of the new holding under proper legal procedure. From then on, the Land Commission are under the obligation to demand and collect the annuity from him; and, as the occupier, he is liable for rates.
There is a heavy loss to the Exchequer in providing a holding for a migrant. He gets full allowance for the holding which he gives in exchange and the buildings on the new holding are 90 per cent free and the land is 50 per cent free.
I am satisfied that migrants are generously treated.