asked the Minister for Agriculture if the Land Commission will acquire the estate of the late James Hegarty, Ballinaskea, Delvin, County Westmeath for the purposes of supplementing the small holders in the area.

The Land Commission have no proceedings for the acquisition of the property referred to but I shall arrange to have the Deputy's representations brought to their attention.

12.

asked the Minister for Agriculture if the Land Commission will acquire the farm known as "Sallyview", Bracklin estate, Delvin, County Westmeath for the relief of congestion in the area.

The Land Commission have no compulsory proceedings for the acquisition of the property referred to. They are, however, negotiating with the owners in regard to a certain area which may be suitable for Land Commission purposes. Pending the outcome of these negotiations, the matter must remain confidential.

13.

asked the Minister for Agriculture if the Land Commission will acquire the Dunne estate, Bracklin, Delvin, County Westmeath which consists of approximately 91 acres; and if it will be developed for the relief of congestion in the immediate area.

The Land Commission have already served notice of their intention to inspect the property referred to with a view to determining whether acquisition proceedings should be instituted. Until such time as the inspection has been completed, it is not possible to say what action will be taken in regard to the lands.

Ceist a 14 chun an Aire Saothair.

If the Opposition will agree, I think the Minister——

Is it the position that the Minister for Labour is not here to answer his question?

He probably misjudged the timing; he is in the House. Usually, as the Deputy is aware, there are many more supplementary questions from the Opposition, not on this occasion for some reason. He is coming now in any case.

I propose as a matter of courtesy that the House adjourn.

The Minister for Labour is coming now.

I suggest that either the Ceann Comhairle or the Tánaiste and Leader of the Labour Party should suitably chastise the Minister for Labour for this discourtesy to the House.

If the Deputy wants chastising, he should start with the members of his own party first. There were very few Fianna Fáil Deputies here earlier, including Deputy Carter.

Order.