HC Deb 30 November 1911 vol 32 cc568-9
Mr. BOLAND

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that Patrick Mahony, Scrahan, Sneem, was gazetted for a farm in lieu of the holding formerly occupied by him on the Warden estate; and can he state when he will be provided with a new farm?

Mr. BIRRELL

The Estates Commissioners received an application from Patrick Mahony for reinstatement in a holding formerly occupied by him on the Warden estate, and his application was noted for consideration. Mahony's former holding has been purchased by the present occupier under the Land Purchase Acts, and the Commissioners cannot interfere in the matter nor do they intend to provide him with another holding.

Mr. BOLAND

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that formerly the Estates Commissioners agreed to give this man another farm in lieu of the holding he formerly occupied?

Mr. BIRRELL

No, I did not know they made any such promise.

Mr. O'DONNELL

asked whether Mr. W. O'Neill, now of Bansha, Killorglin, was in March, 1908, considered suitable to work a holding and was promised that he would be provided with one; whether he was evicted from his holding at Clashedmond, Tralee, in 1885, for non-payment of rent; why it is that nothing has since been done for him; and whether an inspector will be sent to inquire into his case with a view to reinstating him in his former holding, which is still unoccupied?

Mr. BIRRELL

The Estates Commissioners received an application from William O'Neill for reinstatement in a holding which he stated was formerly occupied by him on the Blennerhassett estate, county Kerry, and his name was provisionally noted or consideration in the allotment of untenanted land. He was not promised a holding as stated in the question, and on inquiry and consideration the Commissioners decided to take no action in the matter of his application. They see no reason to alter their decision.

Mr. O'DONNELL

Is it not a fact that the inspector who made inquiries never saw the tenant at all?

Mr. BIRRELL

I should have notice of that question.

Mr. O'DONNELL

Would it not be only fair that an inspector making inquiries with regard to a particular tenant should see the man himself?

Mr. BIRRELL

I cannot lay down any general rules.