asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware that a farm in the townland of Slevin, County Roscommon, is suitable for afforestation purposes, and, if so, if he will consider the propriety of acquiring it.

No offer of land in the townland of Slevin has been made for forestry purposes but if the Deputy will indicate to me the name of the owner, I will ask the Forestry Division to make immediate inquiries.

asked the Minister for Lands whether the Forestry Branch of his Department have purchased lands at Lapallagh, Glenisland, County Mayo, and, if so, when reafforestation operations will commence.

Negotiations are in progress for the purchase of over 700 acres but title is proving particularly difficult in these cases. I cannot yet say with any degree of accuracy when work will commence.

asked the Minister for Lands if, in view of the present serious unemployment position in the Portlaw area, County Waterford, he will consider an extension of forestry operations there.

As I promised a deputation, including the Deputy, which I received yesterday an inspector from the Forestry Division has gone to Portlaw to-day to see what additional employment even of a temporary nature can be made available. I am certain that some additional men can be taken on and there will be no delay in arranging this.

Would the Minister be in a position to state how many acres of land are held by his Department in that area?

Of land that is held but not yet planted we have 182½ acres and 135¾ acres.

That is disappointing. I thought there was much more.

Perhaps I should tell the Deputy that negotiations are far advanced for the acquisition of another 500 acres in a few scattered lots.