asked the Minister for Lands if any figures are available to indicate the acreage of land purchased in this country by foreign companies over the last ten years.

Direct control by the Land Commission of the purchase of rural land by non-qualified persons, including companies, came into effect on 9th March, 1965, the date of the passing of the Land Act, 1965.

In the seven-year period from 9th March, 1965, to 31st March, 1972, and excluding areas under five acres and transfers from one company to another, consents were granted to 139 companies controlled by non-citizens to purchase an aggregate of 7,906 acres.