asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he will have the Land Commission retain the bog which consists of over 1,000 acres of the Fitzgerald estate at Ballanruan, County Clare, for turf development instead of having it planted as has been suggested.

I presume the Deputy is referring to a substantial commonage area in the townlands of Gortnamearacaun and Scalpnagown, adjacent to Bal-Ianruan. Part of this area is already in the possession of my Department and proceedings for acquisition of the remainder are well advanced. Due account of local turbary needs will be taken before planting takes place. In this context it is envisaged that certain turbary rights reserved to the Land Commission on part of the lands will be retained by that body for their own purposes.