§ MR. FINUCANE (Limerick, E.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that several shopkeepers of Galbally, County Limerick, have recently complained of the undue interference of Sergeant Kennedy with the conduct of their business on the grounds that he has often summoned farmers for having left their horses and carts outside the doors of shopkeepers whilst buying necessaries, one such summons having been dismissed on 12th April last, although the street has been often blocked by carts opposite the doors of his friends and relatives; is it in accordance with the Police Regulations to have any member of the Force serving in a district in which he has relatives; and will an investigation be ordered into the conduct of Sergeant Kennedy?
MR. J. MORLEYThe Inspector General reports that it is not true that the shopkeepers at the place referred to have recently complained of the action of Sergeant Kennedy for undue interference with the conduct of their business in the manner indicated. A summons at the suit of a constable was dismissed as stated on the 12th April last. The sergeant has no relations in the district in which he serves, and is reported by the Constabulary Authorities as a most efficient member of his rank. I understand that one person in the locality claims to be a connection of the sergeant, but the sergeant states his only acquaintance with this person was 1277 through the medium of the Petty-Sessions Court, where he had him fined on two occasions.
§ MR. FINUCANEI have personal knowledge of the facts, which are directly contrary to those supplied to the right hon. Gentleman. May I submit them to him?
MR. J. MORLEYIf the hon. Gentleman will give me any information I will cause further inquiry to be made.