asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries if he will state the number, area, and locality of bogs over 25 acres in extent in County Meath, and which are capable of producing fuel of a reasonably good burning quality, and whether he will further state what steps he has taken or proposes to take with a view to developing these bogs.

No detailed survey of the bogs in County Meath sufficient to supply the information asked for by the Deputy has been made by the Land Commission. Turbary is usually acquired by them in conjunction with the acquisition and division of other untenanted land or with the resale of tenanted lands. The Land Commission have already incurred considerable expenditure in the development of bogs in this county, and further expenditure will be undertaken as and when circumstances require.

Will the Minister state if it is his intention to formulate a scheme of road-making and repairing of bog roads which would serve a dual purpose? It would mean the development of the bogs and at the same time would give employment.

That will be undertaken as estates are taken over for the purpose of division and investment, and for the improvement of the estates.