HC Deb 19 August 1889 vol 339 cc1651-2
MR. FLYNN (Cork, N.)

I beg to ask the Solicitor General for Ireland whether he has seen the reports in the Cork papers of the 14th instant, from which it appears that two men named James Keane and John Moloney were summoned at the Fermoy Sessions on the 11th instant, under a Statute of Edward III., calling on them to show cause why they should not be bound to keep the peace; and if he can state why these summonses were not brought under the ordinary law?

MR. MADDEN

I am informed that the cases referred to in the question were heard on the 12th, not the 11th instant, and that the application was for sureties for good behaviour under the Statute referred to. The summonses were issued by the police under the Statute with the approval of the Divisional Commissioner, because, in his opinion, the acts of which the defendants were accused were of such a character as to come within the provisions of the Statute.

MR. FLYNN

Were these summonses issued with the approval of the Attorney General?

MR. MADDEN

I rather gather from the statement made to me that the matter was not brought before the Attorney General; but I will make inquiries, if necessary.