§ MR. MURPHY (Kerry, E.)I beg to. ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Earl of Kenmare, when approached by the Estates Commissioners as to the reinstatement of Mr. Daniel Shea, an evicted tenant in county Kerry, made a claim for £500 or thereabouts as a condition of reinstatement; will he say whether the Commissioners were aware of the full counter-claim of the evicted tenant against this sum claimed by Lord Kenmare; and 49 whether the Commissioners will further negotiate with Lord Kenmare, and represent to him the claims of the evicted tenant, with the view of effecting Mr. Shea's reinstatement in his farm, as it is at present unoccupied.
MR. BRYCEThe Estates Commissioners inform me that in pursuance of the fourth regulation of those dated February 13th, 1906, they approached Lord Kenmare's agent on March 22nd last, with the object of endeavouring to effect a settlement of the case of Daniel Shea. In reply they were informed that the owner would reinstate Shea in the holding from which his mother was evicted upon his paying a sum of £504, the amount of rent and costs due at the date of the eviction. The Commissioners are not aware of the particulars of any counterclaim which the evicted tenant may have against the sum mentioned; and in any event they have no power to enforce the reinstatement of this tenant against the will of the landlord.
§ MR. MURPHYasked if the right hon. Gentleman would represent to the Estates Commissioners the desirability of greater activity in dealing with these cases.
MR. BRYCEI understand that the Commissioners have done all they can in the matter. Their powers are limited, but if the hon. Member will address to me any communication containing additional information I will forward it on to them.
§ MR. FLAVIN (Kerry, N.)suggested that where the police were engaged in protecting land grabbers on these farms they should be withdrawn.
§ MR. FLAVINIt would, at any rate, very soon bring the landlords to their senses.