asked the Minister for Agriculture if the Land Commission, as at present constituted as a statutory independent body, is subject to any EEC rules, regulations or directives; and if he will clarify the position regarding the legality of land allocations in this country in relation to EEC agricultural directives.
Written Answers. - Land Commission Land Allocations.
411.
The only specific EEC measure relating to land reform which directly concerns the Land Commission is Directive 160 on Encouragement to Cease Farming. This directive was implemented here by the Farmers' Retirement Scheme which was introduced on 1 May 1974. In regard to the second part of the question the position is that the Directive provides that farmers with approved development plans under the Farm Modernisation Scheme (Directive 159) which specify a need for extra land have priority in the allotment of lands released under the Farmers' Retirement Scheme. Where no such farmers are available the lands may be disposed of by the Land Commission in the ordinary way.