§ MR. M. AUSTINI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that a letter was sent to Dublin Castle by Mr. William O'Sullivan, of Newcastle West, County Limerick, complaining of the conduct of Mr. Dawson, clerk of Petty Sessions there, for having used to him, at Newcastle West on the 11th instant, threatening language calculated to provoke a breach of the peace, and of which letter an acknowledgment was received on the 21st instant; whether Mr. Dawson, after having received from Dublin Castle notice of the complaint, did on the 24th instant (a fortnight after the alleged offence) issue a summons for assault against Mr. O'Sullivan, notwithstanding that a Petty Sessions Court had been held on the 18th instant; whether he is aware of the strong feeling existing in the district by reason of the conduct of Mr. Dawson in connection with this case, and his manner of discharging the duties in connection with his office; and whether he will call the attention of the proper authority to the matter, and inquire as to the very serious charges preferred against this officer under the late administration?
MR. J. MORLEYIn replying to a similar question put by the hon. Member on Thursday last, I stated that the facts were correctly set forth in the first paragraph, and that the Petty Sessions clerk had summoned O'Sullivan for assault on the occasion referred to. I am now informed that O'Sullivan has been bound to the peace and required to enter into recognisances, or in default to be imprisoned for a month. A cross-summons brought by him against the Petty Sessions clerk was dismissed. It is the fact that this clerk was suspended from his office in 1890 and again in 1891, but on both occasions he was re-instated by the Lord Lieutenant. I have no knowledge of any complaint as to the manner in which he now discharges his duties, and am informed that at the recent official inspection of the clerk nothing came to the notice of the Inspector that would lead to the belief that such is the case.
§ MR. M. AUSTINIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that Lord Muskerry, who presided in this case, had not put in an appearance at Petty Sessions for two years previously? Is he also aware that one of the Magistrates on the Bench strongly dissented from the decision? For what offence was this clerk suspended in 1890?
MR. J. MORLEYI am afraid I cannot say for what offence he was suspended. I know nothing about Lord Muskerry's attendance, and I have no right to inquire how he voted. It is quite true Mr. O'Grady, one of the Magistrates, did strongly dissent from the decision.
§ MR. M. AUSTINWill the right hon. Gentleman inquire what offence it was led to the suspension?