§ MR. FINUCANE (Limerick, E.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether it is a fact that Sub-Constable Dorney, of Kilteely, County Limerick, who was dismissed for his refusal to aid in the arrest of Rev. M. Ryan, addressed his sergeant in the following language:—
I have been in the force for 12 years, during which time I have done my duty, and without a stain on my character; but when I am asked to lay hands on the priest of my 681 church I refuse to go any further with the English Government;whether his superior officer still persists in saying that Dorney is a man of indifferent character; and, if so, will he specify the acts by which he has earned such character; whether Doctor Cleary, medical officer to the Kilteely Constabulary, was ordered to inspect Dorney on the evening of his refusal as to his mental condition; and, whether the Constabulary Regulations direct that the mental condition of any policeman refusing to act shall be tested by medical examination; and, if not, why was the examination made in this case?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR) (Manchester, E.)I have already stated, in reply to the hon. Member's former Question, what words the constable used when refusing to go on duty. They were not those mentioned in the Question. The description of the man's character as "indifferent" is fully warranted by the facts. He was three times punished for drunkenness, and upon the last occasion was warned that he was in danger of dismissal. The medical examination referred to was made by order of the local Constabulary officer in consequence of Dorney's excited appearance, and it seems to have been a very proper proceeding. The opinion given by the doctor was that though the man was excited there was nothing the matter with him.
§ MR. EDWARD HARRINGTON (Kerry, W.)asked, how the constable stood on the promotion list when he resigned?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURsaid, he could not give that information, but would make inquiries, if the hon. Member desired.