asked the Minister for Finance what steps, if any, he proposes to take in connection with the distribution of all the lands in the possession of the Saorstát military authorities, and which were formerly in the possession of the British military, particularly Moorepark and Fermoy Racecourse, containing about twelve hundred acres (1,200) of first-class arable land, in order to have such lands let to landless men who are willing to take up those lands in order to make a living, and if steps will be taken forthwith to have those lands let to local landless men.

The disposal of military lands formerly in the possession of the British War Department, in so far as they are surplus to the military requirements of the Saorstát, is being actively proceeded with. A proposal to include the Moorepark Estate for disposal is under consideration.

The lands of Fermoy Racecourse are not the property of the Saorstát, whose rights therein are confined to the exercising of troops. These lands, therefore, are not and have not been available for disposal by letting or otherwise.

Is the Minister aware that a promise was given in Dáil Eireann in February, 1922, that these lands would be divided up? What is the reason of the delay in carrying out this promise in the meantime, particularly with regard to Moorepark?

We are considering that at present.

I am very pleased to hear it.

I got the lands of Moorepark inspected. With the permission of this House, I got agricultural inspectors from University College, Cork, and they said it was splendidly adapted for a national farm.