asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries if he will state why James Joyce, Rockfleet, Carrowbeg, Westport, a tenant on the Stoney Estate, is not yet vested, and if there is any likelihood that he will be in the near future.

The holding of James Joyce, referred to by the Deputy, is at present being dealt with for the purpose of having a purchase agreement completed by him with a view to vesting the lands in him as soon as possible.

It is nearly time that the purchase agreement should be completed as this case has been pending in the Irish Land Commission offices for the last 22 years and it is now full time that it should be dealt with.

As far as I am aware we have been trying to get James Joyee to sign a purchase agreement for the last three years at least.

What was the reason why he refused to sign it?

That is a different question.

It is a different question, but I think there must be some grave reason for his refusing to sign it. It is full time that this matter should now be fixed up after 22 years.