MR. TULLYI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that on the 5th of April last Thomas Carrigan was evicted from his holding at Stradrenan, Drumreilly, South Leitrim, at the suit of his landlord, Mr. Marsharn Jones; that this tenant has been five years in occupation, and paid a, year's rent every year during that period, but his receipts being back-dated by the agent, Mr. How son, he was decreed for six years' arrears of rent; whether he is aware that Carrigan offered to pay one-and-a-half year's rent, but his offer was rejected, and Carrigan and his family forced out by the police under the command of District Inspector Tyrrell, Ballinamore, who brandished his sword and compelled his men to enter the house, and eject the inmates by force; and whether similar proceedings on the part of the police will be sanctioned by the Executive pending the passage of the Evicted Tenants Bill into law?
MR. J. MORLEYIt is a fact that Carrigan was evicted on the 5th of April. I understand he built a house on the holding over five years ago; that in March, 1889, he paid one-and-a-half year's rent and got a receipt to the 1st of November, 1887; that on the 3rd of December, 1891, he paid one year's rent and got, areceipt to the 1st of December, 1886. He has since paid no rent, and was decreed in June, 1893 for 6½ years arrears of rent. Prior to eviction he offered to pay one-and-a-half year's rent, but the offer was not accepted. A num- 222 ber of persons were assembled in the house when the Sheriff and his assistants arrived to carry out the eviction, and prevented them from entering: thereupon, at the request of the Sheriff, three constables went forward to assist the Sheriff, and Carrigan and the other persons assembled left the house quietly. No force whatever was used. The District, Inspector informs me that it is not a fact that he brandished his sword, as alleged.