Land Commission land acquisition for smallholders
Deputies questioned whether the Land Commission had abandoned purchasing land for smallholders and raised concerns that it was not acquiring land despite section 40 notices. The Minister said a notice does not guarantee acquisition; the decision follows consideration of the inspector’s report.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if the Land Commission have abandoned the purchase of land for distribution among smallholders.
Comment on this
Is the Minister aware that even in cases where section 40 was imposed on farmers the Land Commission at present are now reneging on their responsibility to acquire that land?
Comment on this
The Deputy is no doubt aware that the serving of section 40 notice does not mean necessarily that acquisition proceedings will follow.
Comment on this
Heretofore it was generally accepted that that was the tradition, but that is not so at present. Is the Minister also aware that we are being stopped from acquiring land, which is a serious situation?
Comment on this
As the Deputy is well aware, because of the powers given under section 40 it is after receipt of the inspector's report that the decision is made whether the Land Commission should continue with acquisition.