asked the Minister for Lands whether any lands at Georgespark, Kilcooley, Thurles, County Tipperary, have been acquired for forestry purposes.

My Department has agreed to purchase an area of 119 acres at Kilcooley Abbey, Thurles, County Tipperary, for State forestry and it is hoped to complete the sale shortly.

Will the Minister state the date on which the Forestry Branch arrived at the decision to acquire the lands?

I have not that information at the moment, but if the Deputy will put down a question next week on the mattter I will answer it.