asked the Minister for Finance if he will make arrangements for the State to purchase the Great Blasket Island off Dingle; and if he will set up therein a centre for the promotion of the nation's culture and heritage.

The Great Blasket Island originally comprised 25 small holdings and a large commonage of about 1,000 acres. The State purchased one holding in 1977 which also gave it a share in the commonage. Negotiations to purchase additional holdings from the individual owners have not been successful to date. Present financial circumstances would not permit the purchase for the nation of the area of the island now on offer by an American estate agency.

The establishment on the Great Blasket Island of a centre for the promotion of the nation's culture and heritage could not be considered in the circumstances.