asked the Minister for Energy if he will take steps to ensure the continuity of the policy of his Department in considering the claims of legitimate uneconomic holders for the purchase or exchange of part of the lands for the purpose of retaining the maximum number of farm families.

State forestry lands were vested in Coillte Teoranta on 1 January this year. The question of sales or exchange of particular areas is now an operational one of the company itself. Each request of this nature will be considered on its merits.