§ MR. M'CARTANI beg to ask the Solicitor General for Ireland whether his attention has been called to the statement published in the Star of the 16th instant, from which it appears that on the night of the 15th instant, after the convict prisoners in Downpatrick Gaol had been locked in their cells, a shower of stones came from within the prison walls, and caused serious injury to the property of persons living near the prison; whether he can give any information on the matter; and, whether any inquiry will be held and the Report laid upon the Table of the House?
§ MR. MADDENFrom the Report received from the General Prisons Board it appears that the statement referred to is inaccurate. A few stones were thrown, it is believed, from within the Prison premises. The Chairman of the Board has personally investigated the case on the spot, and has satisfied himself that no prisoner and no Prison Officer was guilty of the offence. The occurrence has been reported to the Military Authorities, who are, it is understood, making an investigation so far as the military sentry is concerned. I am informed that the only injury to property inside consists in the breaking of two panes of glass, valued at 8d.
§ MR. SEXTONWhat persons were there, inside the prison, who could throw stones except the prisoners or the officers of the gaol?
§ MR. MADDENAn investigation is now going on which, I presume, will settle the matter.