MR. P. J. O'BRIEN (Tipperary, N.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he can now afford the information as to the result of the inquiries made by the Inspector General of Constabulary into the charges of forgery and fraud against 49 Sergeant Lord, of Lorrha; whether he has inquired if the facts are, as alleged by the complainant, Mr. Maher, that the money denied to be due to him by Lord was subsequently offered to him by Mr. Doolan, J.P., and on another occasion by Constable Edwards, of Carrigahorig; and whether, in view of such presumptive evidence that the amount claimed was due, and that the sergeant was guilty of fraud on the Police Authorities by returning as a voucher a forged receipt for the money, the Government will direct the Attorney General to consider the case?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURThe Constabulary Authorities report that it has now been ascertained from Mr. Doolan, J.P., that as he personally knew both the sergeant and Mr. Maher he at his own suggestion intervened in a friendly way in order to save trouble and legal proceedings. The constable named did not on any occasion offer the money as alleged. The County Inspector is still inquiring into the matter, but there is nothing as yet in what has been reported to the Inspector General to render it necessary to seek advice from the Attorney General.
§ MR. SEXTONIf evidence is forthcoming that the allegation is true, what will be done with the Magistrate who has thus disgraced the Bench?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI understand that the statement is without foundation.
§ MR. SEXTONEvidence will be forthcoming that the man committed this forgery.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURIf there has been forgery committed, I presume the evidence will be heard before the authorities.
§ MR. SEXTONThat was done three months ago.