asked the Minister for Lands how his Department is conducting its investigations into the amount of land in Ireland owned by foreigners; when he expects the investigation to be completed; and if he will then publish its findings.
Written Answers. - Purchases of Land by Non-Nationals.
29.
No such investigation is currently in progress. The position is known regarding land purchases, leases, etc. by non-citizens for a period of some nine years past. From 1st August, 1961, to 9th March, 1965, a register of such transactions—kept in accordance with the procedure authorised by the Finance Act, 1961, and based on notifications furnished by the Revenue Commissioners—was compiled by the Land Commission. Since 9th March, 1965, the purchase, etc. of rural land by non-citizens has been directly controlled by the Land Commission under section 45, Land Act, 1965.
In so far as future transactions are concerned I am quite satisfied that the existing arrangements are adequate.
It should be noted, of course, that the Land Commission's powers to acquire land are exercisable without regard to the nationality of the owners of the land involved.