§ MR. SEXTONasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether the clerk of Petty Sessions at Mullaghroe (county Sligo), lives in the town of Boyle, in another Petty Sessions district, and in another county; whether many residents in the Mullaghroe district, having business with the clerk, have to make a journey of over twenty miles in order to transact their business; whether the clerk of Mullaghroe is also clerk of three other Petty Sessions districts; whether the Government regard this arrangement as one that can pro- 471 perly be continued; and, whether they will take steps to cause the appointment as clerk for Mullaghroe of a person resident in the district, and having time to devote to the due performance of the duties of the office?
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANThe Clerk of Mullaghroe Petty Sessions resides at Boyle, which is C¾ miles from Mullaghroe. He was elected by the magistrates in 1879, when the question of his being also clerk of other districts was raised; but the Lord Lieutenant decided not to interfere with the choice of the magistrates. No complaint has since been made of inconvenience to the public; but if such inconvenience can be shown to have arisen, the expediency of continuing the arrangement can be inquired into.
§ MR. SEXTONI would ask the right hon. Gentleman if it is not a fact that the Petty Sessions Clerk is required to visit his office at certain hours every day; and if it is possible for it to be done in this case?
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANIf any inconvenience can be shown, the matter will be inquired into.