asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries to state (a) whether the Land Commission propose to carry out any further improvement schemes on the Earl of Leitrim Estate, Co. Donegal, before dealing with the estate under the provisions of the Land Act, 1923; and (b) to state if it is the intention of the Land Commission to acquire the untenanted and demesne lands on this estate for distribution amongst the uneconomic farmers and landless people of the district.

It is not possible at present to state what further improvements works will be carried out on the Estate of the Earl of Leitrim, but any additional expenditure considered necessary will be undertaken. The question of the acquisition of the untenanted lands is still under consideration.

Will the Parliamentary Secretary say when it is likely that the acquisition of these lands will be proceeded with?

I could not say at the moment.