asked the Minister for Lands the effect of EEC membership on payments to reduce the cost to farmers of land annuities.
76.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Land Policy.
75.
asked the Minister for Lands if he has as yet formulated a land policy so as to preserve Irish land for Irish farmers against unfair competition under EEC conditions.
I propose, with your permission a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 75 and 76 together.
These two questions refer to certain aspects of the right of establishment in agricultural land and the common agricultural policy, following accession to the EEC.
The position regarding the right of establishment in agricultural land is set out in the White Paper. The important thing is that full right of establishment on land does not yet operate in the EEC. If the draft directive granting full rights to nationals of one country to purchase farms in another member country comes up for consideration before Ireland's accession then this country will be consulted under the settled consultative procedure so that in this matter full account can be taken of our interests.
The position regarding the proposals on structural reform in agriculture is also dealt with in the White Paper. The broad proposals approved by the Council of Ministers in March, 1971, have yet to be converted into specific programmes on the adoption of directives. As with the directive on the right of establishment Ireland will now be consulted before these directives are finalised. Deputies will appreciate therefore that until these EEC proposals are finally adopted it is not possible to indicate precisely what effect they will have on specific aspects of land policy here such as reduction in the cost of land purchase annuities.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary not agree that, in order to allay fears in relation to this question, it would be desirable that the Land Commission publish the contingency plan they have to deal with the situation which would be created by the adoption of what are very detailed regulations already available in draft form before the Commission? That is not beyond the ability of the Department of Lands. If their contingency plans were published, it would go a long way to allay the fears which people have at the moment in relation to this matter.
As the Deputy will be aware, these are proposals in the first instance and there is no indication or guarantee that they will be carried. If, and when, the proposals are considered for implementation we will be consulted to the fullest possible extent. For that reason, to discuss contingency plans in the event of what might arise is premature.
(Interruptions.)
I am calling Question No. 77.