§ MR. KAVANAGH (Carlow)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that all the courthouses in Ireland are vested in the high sheriffs of each county, and that, whilst the county councils have to maintain and are responsible for the upkeep of them, they have absolutely no control over them, either in giving or refusing leave for the use of them or for the disposal of any space within them; and whether he will take steps to make a change in the present law.
§ MR. BIRRELLThe custody and control of county courthouses are vested by statute in the high sheriff of the county. Any change in the matter would require legislation, and the Government cannot undertake to consider the question at present.