§ DR. TANNER (Cork Co., Mid)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether it is true that two car drivers named Riordan were summoned by Sergeant Denis Moroney at the Millstreet Petty Sessions, held on the 8th February, and fined for an alleged refusal to give road to the police; whether the alleged obstruction was caused by a procession accompanying the Member for Mid Cork on the occasion in question; whether the police are bound by their rules to give way to the public on such occasions; whether the gravamen of the offence was, that a young boy played Harvey Duff upon the cornet; whether 1548 Sergeant Moroney is the same individual who had damages for false arrest recently given against him at the Macroom Sessions; whether it has been the usual and almost invariable custom during the past few months for a car-load or two of police to follow Dr. Tanner while visiting his constituency; whether, on the occasion in question, they were following him as usual; and, whether he will have the case investigated?
§ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. HOLMES) (Dublin University)(who replied) said: From the reports submitted to the Government, it appears that a party of police returning off duty overtook a procession accompanying the hon. Member. The procession consisted of four common carts, two side cars, and a number of people on foot. The drivers of the cars refused to make way to allow the police car to pass. For this obstruction they were summoned, as stated. The playing of Harvey Duff on a cornet had no connection with the prosecution. Damages, to the extent of 3s., were recently given at Macroom Quarter Sessions against the sergeant named, for wrongful arrest.