asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries whether he is aware that the lands of Doonard and Doonardbeg, the property of John Murray, Carntryla, Strokestown, are offered for sale by public auction, whether he is aware that there is acute congestion in the area, and whether, in view of this, the Land Commission will intervene and acquire the lands before proposed sale.

I understand that the lands of Doonardbeg, the property of Mr. John Murray, purchased under the Land Purchase Acts and subject to Land Purchase annuity, are being offered for sale by the Official Assignee in bankruptcy. The Land Commission, who are aware of congestion in the area, cannot interfere with the proposed sale, but the question of the acquisition of the lands is under consideration.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the question of the acquisition of these lands has been under consideration for three years?

The Deputy may not be aware that these lands are subject to a Land Commission annuity.

The Parliamentary Secretary should be aware that they sent down an inspector three years ago.

Three years is a very short period in the operations of the Land Code.