asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that a large number of agricultural labourers and small holders in the neighbourhood of Laurencetown, Co. Galway, are unemployed, and whether he can say how soon the Land Commission will be able to proceed with the division of the neighbouring estates or with drainage and reclamation work, so as to provide as much employment as possible for these men.

I am aware that a number of agricultural labourers and small-holders are unemployed in County Galway. The lands acquired by the (late) Congested Districts Board in the neighbourhood of Laurencetown have already been dealt with, and the improvement works thereon have been completed. The Land Commission cannot undertake to do any drainage or reclamation work until they purchase estates in the neighbourhood, and this cannot take place for some months yet.