HC Deb 25 February 1887 vol 311 c567
MR. J. F. X. O'BRIEN (Mayo, S.)

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether a boy named Thomas Walshe, 12 years of age, residing at Ballydaff, in the parish of Crossboyne, County Mayo, was on the 12th instant arrested on a warrant from Claremorris Petty Sessions Court, under a sentence of seven days' imprisonment in the county gaol at Castlebar, for having been found on the premises from which his father and family of eight were evicted, but had re-taken possession; and, why the father was not prosecuted instead of this child?

THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Sir MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH) (Bristol, W.)

Patrick Walshe's wife and son were summoned for wilful trespass because they were found in the house after the eviction and refused to leave. They were fined 10s. each, or seven days' imprisonment in default. The reason the father was not proceeded against was that he was not found in possession. The proceedings were taken, I believe, by the landlord or agent; but I cannot see why it should have been necessary to proceed against the boy.