asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state the intentions of the Land Commission with regard to the 600 acres of sloblands at Islandavanna, Clarecastle, County Clare which have been in their possession for 25 years.

The sloblands in question comprise the balance of the lands acquired on the estate of the former Fergus Reclamation Syndicate. They are subject to tidal flooding and are useful only for summer grazing. In fact only 40 acres of the lands are rated.

In these circumstances it was considered that the best way to make the lands available to local small-holders was by way of annual lettings, until such time as the problems associated with the flooding could be investigated and, if possible, solved. Such lettings have, in fact, been made over the years but the Land Commission are now of the opinion that the time has come when the question of the final disposal of the lands must be investigated. With this end in view they are arranging for a specialised examination of the whole matter and pending the outcome of this detailed examination it is not possible to indicate what the decision will be in relation to the lands.

Because of the extensive area involved I would ask the Parliamentary Secretary to consider strengthening the protective banks outside the 600 acres with a view to ensuring that full productivity will be achieved.

That is under consideration but the estimated cost is in the neighbourhood of £500,000. The Land Commission must determine whether it is advisable to expend a figure of that size on this type of work.