asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries why a firm of solicitors in Cork (name supplied) received no reply or acknowledgment to their letters dated 30th February 1968 and 13th March 1968 relative to the estate of a person (name supplied); and why no communication was sent until 19th April 1968.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Acknowledgment of Letters.
6.
Mr. Barrett
A letter dated 14th February, 1968, was received from the solicitors and the legal question raised in it was being dealt with as expeditiously as practicable when a further letter dated 13th March was received from them. This letter was acknowledged on the 19th March but through a regrettable oversight the original letter of 14th February had not been acknowledged. A paying order was sent on 19th April to the firm, who in fact are still in correspondence with my Department about the case.
Mr. Barrett
Would the Minister arrange to have an expression of regret sent to these people that no replies were sent to any of their letters for a period of seven weeks? In fact, no reply was sent until I wrote to the Minister on 17th April. Then the cheque was sent without any expression of regret. I would be glad if the Minister would arrange for that.
As a matter of accuracy, the first letter was dated 14th February. I presume it would have been received between the 15th and the 17th. The acknowledgment to the second letter mentioned here went out on the 19th. As a matter of accuracy, it would not have been a question of seven weeks.
Mr. Barrett
I understand that any letter sent on 19th March was not received by the addressee.
What letter was received?
Mr. Barrett
The only letter received was of 19th April with a cheque.
There were two letters —one on 19th March and the other with a cheque on 19th April.
Mr. Barrett
I will communicate with the Minister about it.