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Dáil

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Leasing of Land.

asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of the shortage of land available for young farmers or graduates in agriculture who wish to take up farming as a profession; if he has any plans to provide land from the Land Commission land bank for long-term leasing; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Comment on this
Paul Connaughton Mr. Connaughton Fine Gael

Leasing is capable of making a major contribution to the solution of our land mobility problem and I am making every effort to secure its more widespread acceptance. In this context the possibility of leasing some of the lands in the possession of the Land Commission is being examined.

Comment on this

When does the Minister intend that the new legislation will be implemented?

Comment on this
Paul Connaughton Mr. Connaughton Fine Gael

It is proposed to bring the legislation before the House in the autumn.

Comment on this

Would the Minister say whether this plan for leasing is linked into the farm apprenticeship scheme?

Comment on this
Paul Connaughton Mr. Connaughton Fine Gael

I have met members of the Farm Apprenticeship Board and members of the Farm Management Association and have taken their submissions and have taken note of what they have to say. Hopefully there will be a place for them in a leasing arrangement.

Comment on this

(Limerick West): How will this scheme be financed? Will there be an input from the Exchequer and if so how much?

Comment on this
Paul Connaughton Mr. Connaughton Fine Gael

The legislation will be a short Bill which will mean basically that the tenant at the expiry of the tenancy will have no right unlike the position at the moment where the tenant could claim some right.

Comment on this
Thomas J. Fitzpatrick An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.

Comment on this

Is there any danger that land will be impoverished as a result of that when the lease comes to an end? Will the Minister see to it that the charges per annum are much less than they are at the moment with the Land Commission?

Comment on this
Paul Connaughton Mr. Connaughton Fine Gael

The reason I am giving so much time to the whole concept of land leasing is to get greater mobility of land and greater production.

Comment on this

Arising from the Question——

Comment on this
Thomas J. Fitzpatrick An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

I cannot encroach on the time. There is only one hour left for a very long discourse on an important Bill.

Comment on this

There are just two small points——

Comment on this
Thomas J. Fitzpatrick An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

I cannot——

Comment on this

I have just two small points.

Comment on this
Thomas J. Fitzpatrick An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

The Deputy cannot ask them.

Comment on this

I must ask them.

Comment on this
Thomas J. Fitzpatrick An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

The Deputy cannot ask them. The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.

Comment on this

A Cheann Comhairle——

Comment on this
Thomas J. Fitzpatrick An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

I have ruled——

Comment on this

Yes, but the Chair took this question after 3.30 p.m.

Comment on this
Thomas J. Fitzpatrick An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

I did not. I am calling on Deputy Connolly.

Comment on this

The Chair has ruled in favour of himself.

Comment on this
Thomas J. Fitzpatrick An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

Order, please.

Comment on this

I asked for the permission of the Chair to move two Private Notice Questions which were ruled out of order.

Comment on this

I am of the opinion that one of those questions——

Comment on this
Thomas J. Fitzpatrick An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

The Deputy cannot——

Comment on this

——to ask the Minister for the Environment to state what action he intends to take——

Comment on this
Thomas J. Fitzpatrick An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

Deputy Connolly will resume his seat.

Comment on this
Thomas J. Fitzpatrick An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

I will rule and I will take action.

Comment on this
Thomas J. Fitzpatrick An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

I am naming the Deputy. Will the Minister propose that Deputy Connolly be suspended from the service of the Dáil?

Comment on this
Thomas J. Fitzpatrick An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

I have named the Deputy. Will the Minister move it?

Comment on this
Thomas J. Fitzpatrick An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

Will the Minister stand up and move that the Deputy be suspended?

Comment on this

The Minister for the Environment has responsibility for all local authorities——

Comment on this