2787. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if cross-Government measures will be introduced to reduce the sale of land to non-farming interests and particularly large-scale businesses with specific reference to the need to support small farm holders, who may wish to buy neighbouring farm land to help make their holdings viable. [63925/26]

2788. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he proposes to introduce additional measures to assist in reducing the sale of farm land to non-farming interests, and particularly large-scale businesses, with specific reference to the need to provide more support to small farm holders who may wish to buy neighbouring farm land for farming purposes when such options arise. [63924/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 2787 and 2788 together.

Matters concerning the ownership of private property are subject to significant and complex legal, constitutional and policy considerations. Any statutory limitations on the sale of land, including farmland, would therefore be subject to these considerations. It must also be noted that proposals such as those described by the Deputy would also involve imposing restrictions on the constitutional rights of farmers wishing to sell their land.

I am not aware of any proposals across Government regarding measures to place restrictions on the sale of land.