asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries whether the Land Commission will acquire for the relief of congestion the farm, containing 60 acres 3 roods 21 perches, in the townland of Dunbyrne, electoral division of Rathernan, Co. Kildare, held by the representatives of and for Mr. Stewart Hemingway, who is at present residing in South Africa.

The Commissioners do not propose to acquire the lands referred to, which have been purchased under the Land Purchase Acts and are subject to a Land Purchase annuity.

Is the Minister aware that this farm is lying derelict and cannot pay the annuities and taxes upon it, and also that there are several small holders around there? Does the Minister know that Mr. Hemingway, the owner, would be willing to dispose of the farm? I think, under the circumstances, that the Minister ought to have further inquiries made.

The owner is unwilling to sell until the outstanding instalments of annuities are paid up to date. In any event, the amount of congestion in the area would not warrant the Land Commission in buying the land.

asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries whether he can state what progress has been made by the Land Commission in acquiring the lands containing 307 acres, on the estate of Mr. William Ashe, in the townland of Blackhall (Ballyshannon-Kilcullen area), Co. Kildare, and when those lands will be available for allotment amongst the twenty-two congest-applicants whose names have been furnished to the Department.

The Land Commission issued an offer to the owner to purchase an area of 358 acres in the townland of Blackhall, but the offer was refused and the matter is under consideration.

Do the Land Commission intend to acquire the land?

Yes, the matter is still under consideration.

asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries whether he will state the reasons for the delay of four years in acquiring the untenanted lands of Parsonstown, Carbury, Co. Kildare, held by the late Mr. B. I. Eivers, containing 470 acres, 2 roods and 3 perches, and whether he will instruct the Land Commission to expedite the acquisition of those lands for division amongst the congest-applicants in the district.

The Land Commission have had an inspection made of the lands of Parsonstown, containing 377a. 3r. 10p., on the estate of representatives of Bernard Eivers, deceased, Co. Kildare, and have decided to institute proceedings for their acquisition under the provisions of the Land Act, 1923. These lands will be published next week in a Provisional List of lands which, if not excluded in consequence of a valid objection, will become vested in the Land Commission on the Appointed Day.

Could the Minister say what is the cause of the delay of four years in acquiring these lands?

asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries whether he can state what progress has been made by the Land Commission in acquiring the lands of Ballyshannon Demesne, containing 163 acres, and Carrighill Lower, containing 132 acres in the Ballyshannon-Kilcullen area, Co. Kildare, held by Mr. Thomas Price, and when the lands will be available for the relief of congestion.

The Land Commission do not propose to acquire the lands referred to.

D'fhiafruigh

den Aire Tailte agus Iascaigh an bhfuil fhios aige go bhfuil cúig tionóntaidhthe deug agus gabháltaisí ana-chumhanga acu 'na gcomhnuidhe ar an gCoill Bhreac Thiar, ar estát Chluain Bhroic in aice Baile Locha Riach, agus cathoin is mian leis breis talmhan a thabhairt dóibh.

Tá imeachta ar siúl fén Acht Talmhan, 1923, i dtaobh na ngabhaltas so sa Choill Bhreac Thiar ach níor sroicheadh an Estat fós san ordú tosaíochta chun é do cheannach fé fhorálacha an Achta. Nuair a sroichfear an Estat déanfar breithniú iomlan i dtaobh na ngabhaltas so do mheadú.