asked the Minister for Lands if, in view of the many uneconomic holdings in the Killeshin area of Laois, it is the intention of his Department to expedite the acquisition and division of the Annesley Estate in order to overcome the severe congestion in this area.

The Land Commission have interested themselves in portion of the lands of Hollymount on this estate. Enquiries have been carried out with the consent of the owner but it is not possible just now to forecast what the outcome will be.

In view of the fact there has been agitation over a number of years in connection with having these lands acquired and divided, would the Parliamentary Secretary say if it was ever indicated by the Land Commission that these lands would be acquired and, if that is so, does that indication still hold good?

As I explained, inquiries have been carried out but no final decision has been arrived at. For that reason I cannot give any further information on it.