asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he can state (1) the acreage of land planted by the Forestry Department on the land known as the Ballynock State Forest, Ballynoe, Co. Cork, formerly in the possession of the Duke of Devonshire; (2) what was the total cost of purchase of that estate and the cost of planting and fencing, and (3) the number of men employed at present in connection with the care of the young plantation.

The following are the particulars asked for:—

(1) 337 acres. (2) The lands in question, with 273 acres at Kilcalf, County Waterford, included in the same forest unit, have been leased for a period of 150 years at an annual rent of £9 15s. 0d. The estimated cost of fencing, draining and planting the Ballyknock section is £1,940. (3) One caretaker is employed at Ballyknock.

Do I understand the Minister to say that there is a caretaker in both instances?

There is a caretaker at Ballyknock. That was the question that the Deputy put to me.