asked the Minister for Lands if he will specify the acreage of land proposed for purchase for afforestation at Ryecourt, Crookstown, County Cork; whether agreement regarding purchase has yet been reached; and, if so, if he will give an approximate date for the commencement of work.

The Forestry Division of my Department has acquired an area of 170 acres in the townlands of Coolmucky and Knockshanawee, at Ryecourt, County Cork. It is intended to plant an area of 66 acres there during 1962/63 and it is expected that work in connection with this programme will commence in the near future.