§ MR. COMMINS (Roscommon, S.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether he is aware that for some time past the house of Patrick Kearney, innkeeper and post-car proprietor, of Castlerea, has been subjected to the surveillance of police 1823 posted both in the front and rear of it; that on the 7th of October, being the eve of a fair at Castlerea, and on other days, guests coming to and entering the house were prevented from doing so by the police so stationed at his front door; that on Sundays persons calling at the house are prevented by the police from entering till they have communicated their business, in the presence of the police, to either Kearney or his wife, who is brought to the door for that purpose; and, if so, by virtue of what law or authority is Kearney subjected to this supervision and interference; and, whether he will give directions that it be discontinued, if not done under legal warrant and authority?
§ THE SOLICITOR GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. MADDEN) (Dublin University)(who replied) said, that the Inspector General of Constabulary reported that since the suppression of the National League in the district the League rooms, which were in the house of Patrick Kearney, had been watched by the police in order to prevent the holding of illegal meetings there, such meetings having been attempted on Sunday, October 7, and on other days, by some of the leading members of the committee and by other members of the suppressed branch of the League living in and near the town; but it was not the case that the police had prevented guests from coming to and entering the house, nor were persons prevented from entering until they had stated their business in the presence of the police. The police were acting in the matter in the proper discharge of their duty.
§ MR. COMMINSasked under what Act these policemen acted? Had they any warrant?
§ MR. MADDENreplied, that they had acted in discharge of their duty.
§ MR. W. O'BRIEN (Cork Co., N.E.)asked if the hon. and learned Gentleman was aware, from reports in the papers, that meetings of the Castlerea Branch of the National League were going on now just as usual?
§ MR. MADDENNo, Sir.