asked the Minister for Lands whether the Land Commission have taken over the Slattery estate, Killerk. Fethard, and, if so, when it will be divided among deserving applicants.

The Land Commission have instituted proceedings for the acquisition of this estate, but it is not yet possible to state what the outcome of these proceedings will be.

asked the Minister for Lands (a) what is the present position in regard to the Dignan estate, Clooneyquinn, Fuerty, County Roscommon, which has been in the possession of the Land Commission for some years, (b) what is the cause of the delay in paying the owners for this land, and (c) when the Land Commission propose to divide this estate.

A scheme for the division of these lands is in course of preparation, but it is not possible at present to indicate when disposal will be effected.

Whilst the Land Commission took possession of the estate in October, 1953, the necessary documents of title to the purchase money were not lodged with them until October, 1955. Distribution of the purchase money cannot be made until the owners have complied with outstanding requirements which were recently notified to their legal advisers.

asked the Minister for Lands if he will state the present position in regard to the division of the Crofton estate, County Roscommon.

The Land Commission are making arrangements to sell by public auction the mansion house and some accommodation land on this estate, but they are not at present in a position to indicate when the balance of the lands will be allotted.

Could the Minister say whether the inquiries he made with regard to the utilisation of the mansion house failed to produce any satisfactory result?

That is so. The Department of Health, as well as others, were involved.

asked the Minister for Lands if he will state the present position in regard to the division of the Kingston estate, Boyle, County Roscommon.

Of an area of 3,399 acres comprised in this estate 3,279 acres have already been allotted. The area of 120 acres still on hands consists mainly of water, waste and cutaway bog and is not readily saleable.

asked the Minister for Lands whether the Land Commission are prepared to reconsider the question of acquiring the lands of Mr. Myles Feerick, Kinnitty, Four-Mile-House, County Roscommon.

The Land Commission have re-examined this case within the past year and have decided not to take any action for the present regarding the acquisition of the lands.

Can we take it that the individual involved has decided to meet the requirements of the Land Commission in connection with the erection of a new house on this particular farm, as a result of the objection which was sustained in 1947 on his behalf? Has the Minister no word about that?

No.

asked the Minister for Lands whether the Land Commission have yet prepared a scheme for the division of the White farm, Killenorty, Ballydooley, County Roscommon, and, if so, when it is likely to be put into operation.

The Land Commission are engaged in the preparation of a scheme for the division of this estate; it is hoped to have it completed at an early date and, if at all possible, to allot the lands this season.

asked the Minister for Lands what progress has been made by the Land Commission in the last 12 months towards the solution of the acute congestion problem which exists in the Kiltullagh electoral division, County Roscommon.

In the past 12 months, the proceedings for the acquisition and resumption of the holdings referred to in my reply dated 23rd February, 1955, have been advanced by various stages. In addition, proceedings for acquisition have been instituted in the case of two further holdings in Kiltullagh electoral division and inquiries are being made in regard to another. Resettlement of the congested holdings in the area must await the outcome of these proceedings.

asked the Minister for Lands what progress has been made by the Land Commission towards the acquisition of the lands of Mr. John Murray, Gortloose, Scramogue, County Roscommon.

The Land Commission have no proceedings for the acquisition of these lands, but inquiries are being made about them.

I understand the Minister to say that inquiries are being made. I got that answer just 12 months ago — on 23rd February, 1955. Surely the inquiries have progressed somewhat within the past 12 months?

The Deputy did not get that answer last year.

I am dealing with Question No. 14.

The reply the Deputy got was that there were no proceedings in that case.

On 23rd February, 1955, the reply I received was that inquiries were in progress as a result of a supplementary question I asked on that date. I am asking the Minister whether any further progress was made.

There has.

The Deputy has a good filing system.

One would want it.

asked the Minister for Lands if he will state the present position regarding the Land Commission proceedings to acquire the lands of Mr. O'Dowd, Cams, County Roscommon.

The owner's objection to acquisition in this case was heard by the Land Commissioners in May, 1955. Further consideration of the case was adjourned for a year from that date.

asked the Minister for Lands what is the present position in regard to the acquisition and allotment of the Nally estate, Roundfort, Claremorris, County Mayo.

Some of the area is on hands for a considerable time and the remaining portion only came into possession three weeks ago. The allotment of this entire farm will now be undertaken.