asked the Minister for Lands if he will state whether the Land Commission have considered the propriety of distributing the lands of Mr. Patrick Daly, Bunnavaunish, Ballinrobe, County Mayo, amongst the local small holders during the coming spring.

I informed the Deputy some time ago that the Land Commission had decided to resume part of these lands. Since then it has been decided, at the request of the owner, to resume the entire holding. The proceedings are now nearing completion but it is unlikely that the lands will be available for allotment this spring.

In view of the fact that it may be possible yet that the Land Commission will have possession and might be able to make this land available for the tenants during the coming spring, I wonder would the Minister ensure that small holders in the locality would get first preference and the best consideration.

If a scheme for allotment cannot be put into operation in the spring I will see that the small holders will get grazing or tillage.