Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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336. To ask 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; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45991/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Issues relating to the ownership of private property are subject to very significant and complex legal, constitutional and policy considerations. Any statutory limitations on the sale of farmland would be subject to such all of these considerations.

For example, from a policy perspective, limitations on the sale of farmland land for non-farming purposes , could reduce the availability of land for housing or other purposes consistent with broader public policy objectives.

Perhaps more significantly, any such proposals would involve significant restrictions on the constitutional rights of farmers, including small holders, wishing to sell their land.

However, this is not a question for my Department and I am not aware of any current Government proposals in this regard.