§ Mr. O'SHAUGHNESSYasked the Chief Secretary if be can say whether the Estates Commissioners have come to any agreement with the landlord, Lane Joynt, for the purchase of the two evicted farms at Aughanish, in the county of Limerick, with the view to reinstating Mrs. Hayes and Mrs. O'Shaughnessy, who were evicted from them over twenty years ago; and, if not, whether they could see their way to put the compulsory provisions of the Evicted Tenants Act into force in these cases?
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§ Mr. BIRRELLProceedings have been instituted by the owner for the sale of these and other lands to the Estates Commissioners under the Irish Land Act, 1903. A formal proposal to purchase is in course of preparation, but it will not be ready for some time, as special provision is being made therein as to the upkeep of embankments and works on the estate, and its protection against injury from floods. As the owner is voluntarily selling the lands the question of compulsory acquisition does not arise.