asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he will agree in principle to the establishment of the forestry lands at Dunboy, Castletownbere, as a park.

I am uncertain as to what the Deputy may have in mind. This property has been open to public access for several years as part of the "Open Forest" policy and some amenity development, consistent with public demand, has been carried out there. Arising out of the question, however, I will ask the Forest and Wildlife Service to investigate whether any expansion of existing facilities is justified.

9.

asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he will take the necessary steps to acquire 60 acres of forestry, which is part of the Hillgairth Estate, Ballinderry, Nenagh, County Tipperary.

The Forest and Wildlife Service have been informed by the owners of this property that it is not on offer to the service.

On this matter of forestry land and land being acquired for forestry, has the Minister any means of adjudicating what land is suitable for agriculture?

This question relates to a specific area. The Deputy may not widen the question to deal with the matter generally. I am calling the next question.

I have a very expert technical service in the Forest and Wildlife section of my Department who advise on that aspect.

Question No. 10.

They are experts on forestry but are they experts on agriculture also?

Oh, indeed, they are; very all-round men.

Why are they not in the Department of Agriculture then?

Touché.