asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will take immediate steps for the Land Commission to acquire an estate (details supplied) in County Sligo as this is a very congested area and has a large number of small holdings.

Proceedings for the acquisition of these lands are in progress.

When will the land be purchased?

Proceedings were instituted for the acquisition of these lands in October 1982. An objection lodged against their acquisition was heard and disallowed on 22 November 1983. The objectors had 28 days within which to lodge an appeal against the disallowal but they did not do so.

As this is a very congested area of County Leitrim——

A question, Deputy.

——I think it only right that this land be taken over immediately by the Land Commission——

A question, Deputy.

——to have it divided, I ask the Minister to try to have this land taken over and divided as it is in a very congested area.

Efforts are being made to do that. Price negotiations are in progress at present.

Can the Minister say when the Land Commission expect to take possession of these lands? The Minister has merely given us the history and background since October 1982, of which we are very well aware. It is public knowledge. Would he now give us an estimate as to when this will come into the possession of the Land Commission?

No, I cannot give an exact estimate. I have said that price negotiations are at present in progress.

Does the Minister think it will be this year?

I would hope that it will be available fairly soon. I shall ask the Land Commissioners and will communicate with Deputy Brennan and, if necessary, with Deputy MacSharry.

We would appreciate it if the Minister would ask the Land Commissioners when they may conclude negotiations on this particular estate, and he would communicate their reply to us?