§ MR. J. E. REDMOND(for Mr. SEXTON) (Belfast, W.)asked Mr. Attorney General for Ireland, Whether John Malone and Richard Magee, inmates of the New Ross Workhouse, arrested and lodged in New Ross Police Station on the night of the 21st ultimo, on a charge of insubordination, wore, on the following day, brought before a magistrate in a room of the said police station, and sentenced on conviction to three months' imprisonment; whether this private mode of trial was in accordance with the law; whether Mr. Hurson, the solicitor retained for the defence, was absent from the proceeding in the police station, not having received notice of it; and, what action will be taken upon the case?
§ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. HOLMES) (Dublin University), in reply, said, the men named were arrested in New Ross Workhouse, and brought before the presiding magistrates, charged with insubordination. Bail could not be obtained, and on the arrival of another magistrate the case was heard in the police office, and the case being proved by three witnesses, they were sentenced to three months' imprisonment. The proceedings were taken under Geo. IV., c. 83. The Government did not intend to take any action in the matter.
§ MR. J. E. REDMONDI would ask the right hon. and learned Gentleman, whether it is a fact that no legal opportunity for legal defence was given to these men? My information is they had got a solicitor, and he never received any notice of the trial.
§ MR. HOLMESThe men made no application whatever, or any statement whatever, that they had engaged a solicitor.
§ MR. J. E. REDMONDIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the statement is made by a solicitor who as a supporter of the right hon. and learned Gentleman?
§ MR. SPEAKEROrder, order!
§ MR. M'CARTAN (Down, S.)I should like to ask, whether an opportunity was given to the prisoners to obtain bail before they wore convicted?
§ MR. HOLMESSir, I have already answered the Question on the Paper.