asked the Minister for Finance if he will acquire Lambay Island, Dublin, on behalf of the nation as a nature preserve and recreational centre for the people, in view of the reports that the island is for sale.

The Government are discussing the future of Lambay Island with the present owner.

The Taoiseach will have it bought if they do not hurry up.

Is there a possibility that it might be acquired by the State?

It would be premature to give information at this stage but discussions are going on with the present owner.

Are the discussions about the beauty of the island or the possibility of the State acquiring it?

The State acquiring it.

There is a possibility of its being acquired? Is that what the House can reasonably infer?

Investigations are as yet only at a preliminary stage.

There is a possibility that the State might buy it? If the Minister is talking about buying presumably he intends to buy if the price is right. We had a reply from the Minister but is he talking to them with the purpose of buying or is he just chatting?

Talking to them with the purpose of buying.

Has the Minister money to purchase it?

We would not have discussions with them if we did not have the money to buy it.

They will collect the money in tin boxes in O'Connell Street to purchase it.

Should we bother the Minister again about this question in a week or month? When does he feel he will be in a position to give some indication of whether his negotiations are successful or otherwise?

In two months' time.

It will not have gone to a private dealer in the meantime?

There is no proposal to give it to the Tánaiste——