§ Mr. J. P. FARRELL (Cavan, W.)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he can state what, if any, action was taken by the Ancient Monuments Committee at their meeting on 4th April, 1898, as regards the preservation of the ruins of the ancient Cathedral of St. Patrick, at Ardagh; whether he is aware that the Church Representative Body are standing in the way of vesting this old ruin in the Board of Works; and whether, as the graveyard in which it is situate is now closed by sealed order, any action will be taken by the latter body.
§ MR. HANBURYThe answer to the first question is that no action was taken. The Church Representative Body are precluded from vesting the ruin without the consent of the local Church authority. The Board of Works have no power to initiate any action.