§ MR. ROCHE (Galway, E.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, with reference to the inquiry made by the Constabulary Authorities into the conduct of Constables O'Gowan and M'Grady, as disclosed in the evidence given in the dismissed cases of riot and assault brought by them against five men before two Resident Magistrates at Portumna, on 27th May last, whether he can now state the result of that investigation?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURThe Constabulary Authorities report that the officers who inquired into the case find that the constables, while not drunk, had taken more intoxicating liquor on the occasion in question than men employed on responsible duty should indulge in. With regard to one of the constables, I am informed some further steps will be necessary before his case can be dealt with. The case of the other constable does not now arise in connection with this matter, as lie is being discharged from the force in consequence of a serious breach of discipline, subsequently committed.
§ MR. SEXTONHas there been any finding upon the evidence given by the constables, which was found to be false?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI have given the hon. Member all the information I possess.
§ MR. MACNEILLHas it been found that the constable who said he discharged his gun in self-defence was justified in discharging his gun?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURThe case of one constable is still sub judice, and the other constable has been dismissed.
§ MR. T. M. HEALYIs there any objection to prosecuting the constables for perjury, as they apparently perjured themselves in getting up the case against the five men?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURThe whole matter is under consideration.