(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Agriculture when it is proposed to wind up the functions of the Land Commission.

9.

(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Agriculture if it is proposed to abolish the role of the Land Commissioners and to transfer their powers to his Department; and, if so, when this will be done.

10.

asked the Minister for Agriculture if it proposed to continue with land acquisitions after the transfer of the Land Commission to his Department to enable small holdings to be brought up to more viable sizes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 to 10, inclusive, together.

The legislation to give effect to the abolition of the Land Commission, which is at present being drafted, will suppress the offices of Lay Commissioner and Judicial Commissioner and will terminate the power to acquire land. The remaining functions will be transferred to my Department.

Under the group purchase scheme, recently introduced, farmers are being encouraged and assisted to get together and buy land coming up for sale in their areas. Subjects under examination at present include control of the purchase of agricultural land so that the smaller farmer and the qualified landless person will have a better opportunity to compete on the open market.

(Limerick West): Am I correct in stating that when the Land Commission are abolished their functions will be taken over by a section in the Minister's Department that will not have power to acquire land?

The Deputy is anticipating a Bill.

(Limerick West): I am asking if that is what the Minister said.

As I stated in my reply, it will be the Department of Agriculture that will be involved and that Department have been in control of all the matters referred to, other than the acquisition of land, since 1977.

(Limerick West): Will that section have power to acquire land?

No. I should like to make it clear that the section will have certain controls on the purchase of land sales and that will have the same effect.

I should like to make it clear to Members that it would be quite unreasonable to start to discuss a Bill that will be introduced later and which, I am sure, will take up a lot of time when it comes before the House. Deputies will have an opportunity of dealing with it in full when it comes before the House.

(Limerick West): The Minister stated that the powers of the Lay Commissioner in the Land Commission will be suppressed and I should like to know if there will be any avenue for small holders to acquire land or will it be dealt with through group purchase?

Regardless of what the Minister said, I am not going to throw this matter open to a discussion. I will not permit a discussion on what will replace the Land Commission or what sort of policy will be in operation, for the simple reason that it is not suitable for Question Time.

(Limerick West): My question arose out of the Minister's reply.

Ministers are not always infallible.

(Limerick West): Is the Minister also out of order?

Yes.