asked the Minister for Lands the present position regarding the employment of forestry workers in Cahirciveen, County Kerry; if more land has been acquired in the area for forestry purposes; and, if so, how much.

The number of men at present employed at Cahirciveen is 26. There has been no recent reduction in the number, and it is expected that this number will be maintained this year. The Forestry Division has recently acquired an additional area of 28 acres and it is expected that a further area of 43 acres will be acquired shortly.