(Cavan-Monaghan) asked the Minister for Agriculture if there has been any recent change in the policy of the Land Commission regarding the acquisition of land for the relief of congestion and if he will make a statement on the matter.

There has been no recent change in the policy of the Land Commission regarding the acquisition of land for the relief of congestion. Pending the enactment of new legislation, existing land settlement policy continues to operate but increased emphasis is being placed on distributing the lands already in possession of the Land Commission and on finalising the acquisition proceedings at present in progress.

(Cavan-Monaghan): Is it not a fact that instructions have been given that Land Commission inspectors are to devote all their time towards dividing the lands on hands and that they are not to acquire any further lands without special instructions?

It is not true that they have been instructed to spend all their time on the division of land. They have been asked to concentrate on the distribution of land on hand and also to finalise deals that are in the pipeline.

(Cavan-Monaghan): Is the Minister denying that there is an instruction that section 40 notices, which are the basis of all acquisitions, are not to be served without special instructions?

That is not so. Every case is examined on its merits.

(Cavan-Monaghan): Where and by whom?

By the Land Commission.

(Cavan-Monaghan): Does the Minister deny that his office have taken control of the service of these notices?

That is not so at all. There is no change in the policy at all. Naturally enough, the Minister and the Land Commission are concerned about the amount of land that the Land Commission have on hand. The Land Commission have been criticised for this over the years.

(Cavan-Monaghan): I hope that this gets publicity because every Land Commission inspector in the country will laugh at it.

I do not think they will.