asked the Minister for Lands if he will state the cause of the delay in purchasing for afforestation purposes land at Canburrin, Cahirciveen, which was offered about eight months ago.

An area of 200 acres in the townland of Canburrin was offered to my Department for forestry purposes last May, subject to the provision of other lands in exchange. My Department is unable to deal with the case on this basis and efforts to secure a straightforward offer of the lands for cash have not so far been successful.

Two other offers totalling 539 acres in the adjoining townland of Killograove are being proceeded with independently, however, and a decision in these cases will be expedited.

Will the Minister find it possible to establish a forestry centre in that district, assuming the land becomes available?

That is clearly a separate question.

I submit it arises from the Minister's reply.

Question No. 45.