§ MR. FLYNN (Cork, N. E.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that District Inspector Cosgrave, Kanturk, had two colts grazing on an evicted farm at Toureen, Knocknagree, from which a tenant named Mahony was evicted; and that the same police officer removed the colts to another evicted farm at Ardnaguta, from which a tenant named O'Connell was evicted; is he aware that the colts were attended to by the caretakers, who are under police protection; and whether the Constabulary Authorities sanctioned the action of this officer in thus intervening in a matter of dispute between landlord and tenant?
MR. J. MORLEYThe facts, I am informed, are substantially as stated in the question. The sending of the horses to graze on the evicted farms is stated to have been an ordinary business transaction, and Mr. Cosgrave had no intention of intervening in the matter in the sense imputed in the question. At the same time, I consider that this action was imprudent, and open to this latter construction, having regard to his position as a police officer, and shall so inform the Inspector General.
§ MR. ROSSDoes the right hon. Gentleman mean to lay it down that the Constabulary should take part in the boycotting of farms?
MR. J. MORLEYThe hon. and learned Gentleman must know that I mean to lay down nothing of the kind. I consider that in this case the officer did what was not his duty, and his superior officer has been so informed.
§ MR. MACARTNEY (Antrim, S.)Has he violated any regulation of the Royal Irish Constabulary?
MR. J. MORLEYThere are many things an officer may do which are indiscreet, but are not mentioned in the Queen's Regulations, and when such cases are brought to the notice of the Irish Government, it is their duty to investigate them and, if necessary, reprimand the officer.
§ MR. FLYNNDoes not the Constabulary Code prohibit a policeman taking a farm in the neighbourhood of his own station?
§ [No answer was given.]