asked the Minister for Lands when the Land Commission propose to proceed with the distribution of the farm of Mr. Peter Gilmartin, formerly Leyden, Gortnaleck, Grange, County Sligo, which some time ago was awarded by the courts to the Commission.

I would refer the Deputy to my replies of 23rd November, 1955, and 3rd July, 1956, regarding this estate. On the expiration, in July last, of the stay put on the Order disallowing the owner's objection to acquisition, the case was reviewed and the commissioners decided to rescind the said Order. The acquisition proceedings have, accordingly, been terminated.

Does that mean that the commissioners will not take the land?

Yes.

Will the Minister say why, after going to the trouble of bringing this matter to court, the commissioners have decided not to take the land?

The history of this case is that the Land Commission instituted proceedings for the acquisition of this holding of 31 or 32 acres. At that hearing they put a stay on the Order for one year and gave an undertaking that they would review the case. They have now reviewed the case and have decided to discontinue the proceedings. That is a matter for the commissioners.