asked the Minister for Lands what progress has been made by the Land Commission towards the acquisition of the Boud estate, Shallee, Nenagh, and whether it is proposed to distribute these lands among smallholders and landless men in the area.

The question of the price to be paid for this estate has not yet been disposed of and it is, therefore, not possible to indicate at present if or when the lands will be acquired. Until possession is obtained, the preparation of a scheme of allotment cannot be undertaken but the claims of all applicants for land will be fully considered in the event of the estate being taken over.

asked the Minister for Lands whether the Land Commission have considered the propriety of acquiring the lands of Mr. H.R. Mole, Muskeagh, Tinahely, County Wicklow, and, if so, with what result.

A substantial area on this estate was recently purchased by the Forestry Division. The Land Commission do not propose to take any action regarding the acquisition of the balance of the lands.

asked the Minister for Lands whether the Land Commission have now reached a decision in connection with the acquisition of the late Patrick Casserley's holding on the Balfe estate, County Roscommon (Record No. S.9837), and, if so, if he will state the nature of such decision.

Following on a recent inspection of this holding, the Land Commission have decided to take no action regarding the acquisition of the lands.

Would the Minister state how much money was spent by the Land Commission messing around making inquiries about that farm for the last ten years?

A good deal of money was spent in the so-called messing about as a result of the Deputy's ceaseless inquiries in cases which, he knows well, will never bear fruit.

I am asking the Minister a specific question about that farm.

asked the Minister for Lands what progress has been made by the Land Commission in connection with the acquisition of the lands of the late Mrs. O'Grady, Aughamore, Scramogue, County Roscommon, for the purpose of relieving the congestion in the locality.

The Land Commission have no proceedings for the acquisition of these lands, but they are having detailed inquiries made.