asked the Minister for Agriculture if it is intended to take over the Corcoran estate, Dromard, Moyne, County Longford for division among local smallholders and other deserving cases.

13.

asked the Minister for Agriculture when it is intended to divide the O'Donohoe estate, Dromard, Moyne, County Longford.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take questions Nos. 12 and 13 together.

While possession of the O'Donohoe estate has already passed to the Land Commission, I understand that the formulation of proposals for its division has been deferred pending the outcome of proceedings which are at present in progress for the compulsory acquisition of the Corcoran estate. The intention would be to include both properties in a composite resale scheme so that a more effective improvement of small farms in the locality can be achieved. It is not possible, however, at this stage to indicate what the outcome of the proceedings for the Corcoran lands will be.