asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state at what stage negotiations have reached regarding the acquisition of that portion of the Ulster canal which passes through County Monaghan, and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The ownership and disposal of the portion of the Ulster canal situated within the State has been under examination for a considerable time but no final determination of the matter was reached owing to the legal complexities of the case. The matter is now being examined in the light of the provisions of the State Property Act, 1954.