Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The concern expressed during the previous consideration of this provision was that it enabled the Minister to compulsorily acquire land. To reiterate, I have received legal advice that section 6(e) does not provide the Minister with the power to compulsorily purchase land. The term used in the subsection "or otherwise acquire" is sufficiently broad to cater for any type of acquisition, including by lease, other than compulsory acquisition, as I have already clarified. Accordingly, I do not accept this amendment, because there is no need for it.