asked the Minister for Lands if he will state whether a decision has been made by his Department regarding the suitability for afforestation purposes of lands situated at Merlin, Ballyferriter, County Kerry, which were offered to his Department for that purpose, and if it has been decided not to utilise these lands for this purpose, whether he will state the reason for such decision.

It has been decided not to purchase the lands in question as they are unsuitable for afforestation purposes owing to their severe exposure.