MR. PATRICK O'BRIENI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether it has come to the knowledge of the Government that certain water bailiffs employed at Cork Harbour recently fired shots at persons alleged to be poachers; and whether the bailiffs will be prosecuted?
§ MR. JACKSONI am informed that for some time past water bailiffs employed by the Cork Board of Conservators have been seizing nets illegally used in fishing, the use of which has threatened the destruction of a valuable fishery, which has been the means of livelihood of a number of fishermen. The bailiffs while engaged on this duty were attacked with stones, and fired shots they allege into the air. No person was injured, and, as at present advised, the responsible authorities do not propose a prosecution.