§ Mr. SHEEHANasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that on the 3rd July, 1907, Mr. P. J. Ahern gave evidence relative to the congestion prevalent in Glensharrold rural district before the Royal Commission on Congestion sitting on that date at Listowel; and whether, having regard to the nature of such testimony and the poverty-stricken condition of the bulk of the Glensharrold tenantry, who are only small holders, the Congested Districts Board will give effect to Mr. Ahern's evidence by acquiring the property and scheduling it as a congested area?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe petition referred to does not appear to have been received by either the Congested Districts Board or the Estates Commissioners. The estate referred to is not pending for sale under the Land Purchase Acts before the Estates; Commissioners. The lands are situate in a county in respect of which the Congested Districts Board have not any powers, and they cannot, therefore, acquire the property. They have no power to make any addition to the congested district counties.