§ 17. Mr. ARCHDALEasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will state why the Congested Districts Board took steps in 1919 for the compulsory acquisition of a farm of land in Emlagh, parish of Kilshalvy, county Sligo, belonging to the late Mr. Joseph Mahon, of Ballymote, who died in June, 1916, giving only £500 compensation to his widow and son, who have no other means of livelihood; whether this respectable Protestant family are the only ones in South Sligo who have been so treated; and if the Board will take immediate steps to reinstate the widow and her dependent son in possession of the farm left them by will, their only means of living?
§ Mr. HENRYIn June, 1915, the Congested Districts Board decided to resume, under their statutory powers, possession of the non-residential farm of the late Joseph Mahon, comprising 77 acres, 2 roods, 39 perches, for the relief of congestion. In June, 1919, the Irish Land Commission fixed the compensation to be paid to the tenant at £500, and the price fixed was appealed against by both the tenant and the Board. This appeal has not yet been heard, and the compensation has not therefore been paid, nor has the Board taken possession of the lands. The Board do not consider the religious belief of the persons whose farms they propose to acquire for the relief of congestion. In the County of Sligo resumption proceedings has been instituted or decided upon in 16 cases covering 992 acres. The late owner of the farm referred to in the question was a shopkeeper and auctioneer in the town of Ballymote where he resided.
§ Mr. ARCHDALEIs it not a fact that people of all denominations in that neighbourhood are very much annoyed about this widow's property being taken?
§ Mr. MacVEAGHMay I ask whether there is any foundation whatever for the suggestion that there is anything sectarian in this matter at all?
§ Mr. HENRYI have no information that there is. I am quite sure that the Congested Districts Board do not consider that.