asked the Minister for Lands when the proposed afforestation scheme at Ballymakalett, Ravensdale, County Louth, will commence.

There are a number of difficulties in the way of acquisition of suitable land for afforestation in the Ballymakalett area. My Department's main interest is in a commonage area of 375 acres but not all of the owners are prepared to dispose of their interests in this commonage and further progress towards its acquisition is not possible until the case can be reviewed under the Forestry Act, 1956. This will be done at the earliest possible date.