§ Mr. SHEEHYasked what was the number of sales in Meath, under the 1903-Act, of lands over 100 acres; how much money had been advanced for such sales; and what sales had taken place in Meath since November, 1908?
§ Mr. BIRRELLFive thousand seven hundred and thirty-six applications for advances, amounting lo £4,069,699, have been made under the 1903 Act in respect of 337 estates situate in the county of Meath in sales direct from landlord to tenant, and advances, amounting to £2,196,105 have been made in 2,900 of these applications, but the Estates Commissioners are not in a position to say how many of these sales were in respect of lands over 100 acres. During the period since the end of November, 1908, ninety-one applications in direct sales have been made under the Act of 1903 for advances, amounting to £60,438, and under the Irish Land Act, 1909, sixty-five applications, for advances, amounting to £31,777, have been made.
§ Mr. BOLANDasked the Chief Secretary what steps, if any, had been taken by the Congested Districts Board to negotiate for the purchase of the Ballinskelligs portion of the estate of Mr. Daniel O'Connell, of Darrynane?
§ Mr. BIRRELLMr. O'Connell has been asked if he is willing to negotiate for the sale of his estate, and he has replied in the affirmative, inquiring what price the Congested Districts Board will offer. His letter is now under consideration.
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§ Mr. O'MALLEYasked why the Burke estate, situated in Furlough, Moycullen, county Galway, is not yet vested in the tenants, although agreements for purchase were entered into on 1st January, 1907, and duly lodged with the Estates Commissioners; and whether, in view of this fact, steps will be taken at once to place the tenants in possession of this property?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThis estate is being dealt with in order of priority, and the Estates Commissioners anticipate that it Will be reached at an early date.