asked the Minister for Lands if, in view of the contents of the Scully report, he will initiate in his Department a study of the feasibility of leasing land and restructuring land occupation generally; and if he will make such study available for public discussion.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Land Policy.
25.
The Land Commission some years ago suggested to landowners who found themselves obliged to let lands that they should consider the desirability of making longer lettings, for five or ten-year periods with appropriate conditions as to husbandary, as distinct from the prevailing system or conacre of 11 months grazing lettings. The Land Commission undertook to grant approval readily to suitable letting contracts, provided too much land was not thereby concentrated in the hands of one person or of persons not ordinarily engaged in agriculture.
There was no appreciable response to this initiative. At the same time, I might say that, historically, the temper of our people has been overwhelmingly in support of unitary ownership vested in the occupier of the lands. During the course of the land struggle both the system of unitary ownership residing in a landlord, and that of dual ownership as between landlord and tenant, were, in turn, rejected in favour of tenant proprietorship. Personally, I do not think that there is any indication of a real change in attitude to this concept down the years.
However, the matter is one which will form part of any general review of land policy.
In view of the important recommendations of the Scully Report which are vital to the structure of Irish agriculture, I asked in my question whether the Minister would initiate a study of the feasibility of leasing land and restructuring land occupation generally. In his reply, the Parliamentary Secretary has told me what happened in the past with regard to the Land Commission. The type of study to which my question referred is vital to Irish agriculture at this stage and I cannot understand why the Land Commission would not have the study carried out. I should like an answer to the specific question I put down.
The Deputy will appreciate that I was expressing the Minister's view in the matter. The Deputy can be assured that the ideas suggested in the Scully Report are being examined.