§ MR. HAYDEN (Roscommon, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether compensation has yet been paid to those evicted tenants on the De Freyne estate whose goods were confiscated by members of the Constabulary; and, if not, will he direct that no further delay be allowed to take place in the matter?
MR. J. MORLEYMy right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy, in reply to a question on the same subject on the 21st of December, stated that inquiry had been directed with a view to ascertaining whether the charges preferred against the police had any foundation in fact. These charges have been carefully investigated on the spot by the Divisional Commissioner, who is the highest officer in the district, and he has arrived at the conclusion that there is no foundation for them. I concur in the opinion that the case against the police has been disproved after examining this officer's Report and the statements made by the persons concerned. It is a fact, however, that one constable was charged with larceny while on patrol duty. He pleaded guilty, was convicted and punished, and dismissed the Force.