64. Dr. ESMONDEasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he can say when the purchase money will be advanced to complete the purchase of the Gason estate, in the townlands of Kylebeg, Bal-linacara, Dawson's Bog, Richmond, and Ballycommon, in the county of Tipperary?
§ The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Birrell)This estate is the subject of proceedings for sale direct by the owner to the tenants under the Irish Land Act, 1903, and will be dealt with in order of priority on the principal register of direct sales, but, having regard to the claims of other estates, the Estates Commissioners are not at present in a position to say when it will be reached.
§ 67. Mr. SHEEHANasked whether the Estates Commissioners have recently taken any steps towards the restoration of John Scannell, an evicted tenant on the Neville estate at Cashlaura, in the parish of Clondrohid, county Cork; whether he is aware that Mr. Neville agreed to leave the question of Scannell's reinstatement to the arrangement of the Commissioners; and what do they propose to do in reference to the matter?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. The Estates Commissioners inquired into Scannell's application, and are not prepared to take any action in the matter.
§ 69. Mr. JOHN ROCHEasked the Chief Secretary whether he will instruct the Estates Commissioners to deal without further delay with the O'Hara Trench estate, in the neighbourhood of Green and New Inn, Ballinasloe, as the estate has now been a considerable time in the hands of the Commissioners?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe hon. Member appears to be under a misapprehension. This estate has not been acquired by the Estates Commissioners, but is the subject of proceedings for sale, and they cannot deal with it until it is reached in order of priority. Having regard to the claims of other estates, they are not at present in a position to say when it will be reached.
§ 70. Mr. JOHN ROCHEasked the Chief Secretary whether he will direct the Congested Districts Board to divide the lands of Gurtnaraheen (Worthington Eyre estate), in the parish of Kilturmer, Ballinasloe, which is now in their possession, and that in doing so Mr. Peter Larkin, the only tenant on the townland, shall get a liberal portion of it, and also that a portion of the grass lands be retained in the hands of trustees to be used by the poor people for the grass of a cow?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Congested Districts Board inform me that a scheme is at present being prepared in connection with the division of the lands on the estate referred to. Peter Larkin is not a tenant on the estate purchased by the Board. It is understood he has a holding in the neighbourhood, but as the Poor Law valuation exceeds £10, additional land cannot be given to him. It is intended to use the lands for the purpose of migration, and for enlarging the small holdings of tenants in the neighbourhood.
§ 80. Mr. DORISasked whether the Congested District Board have yet issued their offer to the Marquess of Sligo for his estate in county Mayo; and, if so, whether it has been accepted?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Congested Districts Board have not yet issued their offer for purchase of this property. Owing to the recent death of the late owner the issue of the offer has been delayed.