asked the Minister for Lands what acreage of land is considered by the Land Commission to constitute an economic holding; and if any change in the figure now operative is envisaged.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Economic Holding Definition.
23.
Since 1962 land settlement policy has been that holdings and enlargements are planned to provide family farms of 40 to 45 acres of good land or the equivalent in land of mixed quality. Just now the whole question of the future policy of the Land Commission, and land policy in general, is under active consideration by the Government. Pending a decision on the various issues being examined it would be premature to comment further on the matter.
Did the Minister state that at the moment he considers 45 acres of land an economic holding?
No, that is not what I said. What I said was that present Land Commission and Government policy was that the Land Commission should try to provide family farms of 40 to 45 acres of good land.
Does the Minister consider this an economic holding?
No. My views on this matter are on record. I have stated the present policy.
Do the Minister's views differ from those of the Government?
The Deputy must not have been listening to me. May I repeat what I said? Just now the whole question of the future policy of the Land Commission, and land policy in general, is under active consideration by the Government.
Question No. 24.