§ MR. FLYNN (Cork, N.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether it had been brought under his notice that, at the Tralee Courthouse on Tuesday, a local Roman Catholic clergyman sought admission into the Assize Court, which was not more than half filled at the time, whereupon a young policeman roughly seized the reverend gentleman by the coat and forced him into the outside corridor; and whether he would inquire into the truth of the complaint; and, if it was well founded, prevent the recurrence of such behaviour?
§ MR. MADDENThe Constabulary Authorities report that it is the case that the constable endeavoured to keep the reverend gentleman out of the Court. A disturbance had occurred at the door immediately before, and the constable, who had recently joined the force, acted through inexperience. The constable is now aware of his duty in such cases.
§ MR. FLYNNWill the hon. and learned Gentleman say if a general instruction will be given to the Constabulary 24 to prevent the recurrence of such an incident?
§ *MR. MADDENI have told the hon. Member that in this case the constable has been informed of his duty. The incident is not one which is likely to occur sufficiently often to necessitate the issue of a new general instruction.
§ *MR. MADDENMy information is that he was informed of his duty, and I take that to be an euphemism for being reprimanded.