§ MR. HEALYasked Mr. Attorney General for Ireland, Whether it is the fact that a promise made to pay Ex-Sub-Constable Walshe's expenses has not yet been carried out; whether it is the fact that, although Dr. Michael O'Brien, now a suspect in Limerick Gaol, was obliged to attend Cork Winter Assizes for seventeen days on a Crown subpœna, Mr. Murphy, Crown Solicitor, refused to pay him anything; and, whether there is any reason for the continued detention of Dr. O'Brien?
§ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. W. M. JOHNSON)As to ex-Sub-Constable Walshe, there was a question whether he was to be paid out of the Law Charges Vote or under the Constabulary Regulations; this has been settled, and the account of his allowances was made out and received in the Constabulary Office last Tuesday from the County Inspector, and, having 1100 been examined, was transmitted for payment by the next post. As to Dr. O'Brien, he attended at the Cork Winter Assizes, not as Crown witness nor as a medical witness, but as a witness for persons who were charged with obstructing a sheriff and other criminal offences, and for the purpose of proving that they had not committed the offences of which they were accused. During the progress of the Assizes he was repeatedly in company with his friends, who were on bail, and thus he had an ample opportunity of knowing the course they intended to take. They pleaded "guilty." Dr. O'Brien, therefore, was not a necessary witness to prove that they had not committed the offences, to the committal of which they pleaded guilty, and the Crown Solicitor consequently could not certify that Dr. O'Brien was a necessary witness, and for that reason had no authority to allow him any expenses. With reference to the last Question, as Dr. O'Brien is still in detention, I take it for granted there is good reason for it; but that is a Question to be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary.