asked the Minister for Lands if he can state the acreage of land acquired for forestry purpose in the Counties of Leix and Offaly during the past year; the total acreage likely to be planted in the current season; the total acreage planted and under timber and available for planting on hands in the forestry branch in the counties named.

Between 1st February, 1948, and the first instant a total of 362¼ acres was acquired for forestry purposes in the Counties of Leix and Offaly.

The total acreage likely to be planted in these two counties in the current season is 628½ acres. The total area planted by the Department amounts to 10,260¼ acres, the total area under timber amounts to 10,944½ acres and the area in hands available for planting is 2,176½ acres.