§ Mr. MEAGHERasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland why the lands on the estate of Sir C. W. Cuffe, situate at Tularosa, county Kilkenny, are not yet vested In the purchasing tenants, notwithstanding the fact that the purchase agreements were lodged with the Estates Commissioners more than six years ago; and if he will state when the sale' and purchase is likely to be completed?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI am informed that the estate referred to has not yet been reached in its order of priority on the principal register of direct sales (all cash) to be dealt with by the Estates Commissioners under the Irish Land Act, 1903. The Commissioners are not in a position at present to state when the estate may be reached in its order, but it will be dealt with as soon as possible when its turn arrives.
§ Mr. LYNCHasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that in regard to the Reeves estate, West Clare, steps are now in progress to give the remaining tenants their vesting orders; whether he can explain why the Congested Districts Board in the process of settlement did not proceed according to the number on the rental; whether, when the abatements are 1455W fixed, they will in all cases be made retrospective; and whether, in view of the fact that the settlement of this question has been pending for years and that so little now requires to be done, the whole business will now be disposed of?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe sale of the estate referred to is being proceeded with, and will be completed as soon as possible. The Congested Districts Board do not follow the rental numbers in dealing with an estate, but sale agreements are signed according as the holdings are prepared for sale. The tenants on the Reeves estate are allowed abatements in accordance with the agreements signed by them, but not retrospectively.