§ MR. MAGUIREI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he is aware that Richard O'Donnell, of Clobane, County Clare, a tenant on the Stackpoole Minas property, has been in prison since 6th March, 1893, for retaking possession of his farm; and that the farm is now in the hands of the landlord's agent; and whether he could see his way to directing his release?
MR. J. MORLEYIt is a fact that O'Donnell has been in gaol since the 6th March last, having been committed for contempt under an Order of the Court of Chancery. The hon. Member is aware that the discharge of prisoners in contempt cases is not a matter in which the Executive can interfere, but rests with the Judge who made the order of committal. There are, however, some matters of detail—apart from the committal—in the present case, into which I am making inquiry.