asked the Minister for Agriculture if his attention has been drawn to an alleged statement of the Leinster Organiser of Cumann na nGaedheal at a meeting in Longford, as reported in the "Longford Leader" of January 19th, that "already arrangements were well under way to secure untenanted lands and claims filed at the headquarters of Cumann na nGaedheal would receive first attention," and if he will state whether the applications of uneconomic holders and landless men will be considered on their merits in the redistribution of untenanted lands irrespective of whether they belong to any particular political organisation or not?

I have not seen the statement mentioned as reported in the "Longford Leader." With regard to the point raised, the answer in the words of question is: "That all applications of uneconomic holders and landless men will be considered on their merits in the re-distribution of untenanted land, irrespective of whether they belong to any particular organisation or not."

Will the Minister say whether, in his opinion, such reported statements come under the Bribery and Corruption Acts?