asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries whether it is proposed to acquire for distribution the lands at Ballyconnell, County Cavan, known as the Roe Estate.

The question of the acquisition of the lands referred to is under consideration by the Land Commission.

Could the Parliamentary Secretary give us any idea as to the cause of the delay in this case?

Just the ordinary difficulties that take place in all negotiations for the acquisition of land.

What is the normal time that must elapse before the Land Commission can give a decision in a matter of this kind?

The circumstances in connection with each estate vary, and the length of time that the negotiations occupy depend entirely upon the circumstances of each case.

Can the Parliamentary Secretary state if the acquisition of these lands has been under consideration for the past eighteen months, and if any progress has been made?

Oh, yes, considerable progress.

Has the Land Commission decided to take any steps in the distribution of this land?

The Land Commission has not decided on this particular case yet.