Peter Callanan (Fianna Fail)

I support the Minister for Agriculture and Food although I appreciate Senator Coonan's point. I have also read the IFA's submission. The Minister is correct about the value of land today in comparison to its value when the Land Commission stopped buying. At that time, land was valued at £1,500 per acre at most. In the years prior to that, land was acquired by the Land Commission for as little as £300 to £600 per acre. When one considers the value of land today, it is unfortunate Senator Coonan is taking the line he is, although I can understand it. It is the taxpayer who picks up the tab, whether capital or interest is lost. The deal being offered in this Bill is extremely generous and fair, relative to the value of land today as against when it was bought or given. We should support it.