asked the Minister for Agriculture the number of estates in which the Irish Land Commission became involved in procedures to acquire since 1982 and then withdrew because of lack of finance; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

In the light of the Government decision to abolish the Land Commission it was decided, with the owner's consent, to withdraw from cases where acquisition proceedings had not been completed. In nine of these cases proceedings were commenced after 1 January 1982.

In how many cases were proceedings withdrawn?

In reply to the question the Deputy asked I said that in nine of these cases proceedings were commenced after 1 January 1982.