asked the Minister for Agriculture the progress which has been made in regard to the long-term leasing of land; if the Land Commission have land which is available for long term leasing; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Land Leasing.
24.
The Government have introduced a number of measures to facilitate the long term leasing of land. The Land Act, 1984, gives greater protection to farmers leasing their land. The Finance Act, 1985, provides that the first £2,000 of leasing income obtained each year may be exempt from income tax liability. The method of assessing income under the social welfare code has also been amended to remove the previous bias against leasing.
I am satisfied that these measures, together with the publicity campaigns organised by my Department and the availability of model leases, have contributed significantly to the increased use of leasing. The number of lease approvals issued by the Department increased from 15 in 1983 to 600 in 1985 and 577 to date this year.
The Land Commission has no land available for long term leasing.