§ MR. SEXTONasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether the Government are aware that a sub-constable of police has been attending the weekly meetings of the branch of the Irish National League at Bruff, county Limerick, and taking notes of the proceedings; whether a similar course has been pursued in other places; whether the police have any legal right to demand admission to such meetings, unless upon a warrant; and, whether the Government will direct the police not to continue to intrude themselves upon the meetings of a legal association?
§ MR. TREVELYANI am informed, Sir, that Sub-Constable Irwin, of Bruff, attended a meeting of the Labourers' League on the 29th ultimo, at which meeting it was resolved that the Labourers' League should lapse and that a branch of the Irish National League should be established in its stead. The meeting was adjourned until the 12th instant, when he again attended. He took no notes of the proceedings. He did not demand admittance to the meeting; ho entered the outhouse where it was held the same as the others who attended it. He attended from mere curiosity, and made no report whatever to his superior officer of his having done so.