§ MR. W. O'BRIEN (Cork Co., N.E.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether it is a fact that in the attempt to collect the £1,000 ordered to be levied off the barony of Condons and Clongibbon as compensation to the policeman injured on the occasion of the fusillade at Mitchelstown, the Sheriff's bailiff seized a mare and foal valued at £30, the property of a small farmer named Kenealy, at Araglin, to satisfy a claim for 18s. county cess with £1 costs, and that, although a jennet valued at £10 was proffered in satisfaction of the claim, the bailiff insisted on driving the mare and foal a distance of seven miles to Fermoy, and sold them there; and, whether, in the event of legal proceedings being taken by the owner for excessive and vindictive seizure, the Government will interfere?
§ THE SOLICITOR GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. MADDEN) (Dublin University)(who replied) said: The Government have no knowledge as to the matters of fact referred to in this Question, county cess not being an Imperial charge over which they have control. Nor would they have any title to interfere in the circumstances referred to in the concluding portion of the Question.
§ MR. W. O'BRIENWill the hon. and learned Gentleman give an undertaking that the Government will not protect these bailiffs for any illegal seizures they may make; and that the British taxpayer will not eventually have to pay this compensation?
§ MR. MADDENsaid, he could give no undertaking of the kind.
§ MR. T. M. HEALY (Longford, N.)Will the hon. and learned Gentleman say, as a matter of fact, that the bailiffs will not be defended by the Government in any legal proceedings that may arise?
§ MR. MADDENEach case will be considered on its merits as it arises.
§ MR. W. O'BRIENIs it not the fact that the Government have defended and paid the law expenses of bailiffs and police who leave acted illegally?
§ MR. MADDENI am not aware that any illegality has arisen in this matter, and each case as it arises will be considered.