DR.KENNY (Dublin, College Green)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been directed to a letter, dated 3rd March, 1894, addressed, by order of the Governor of Hong Kong, by Mr. J. M. Thompson, Colonial Secretary, to the Guardians of the North Dublin Union, in reference to the deportation from Hong Kong of Mary M'Gann, a destitute Irishwoman, of weak intellect, resident in that Colony; whether he will cause inquiry to be made into the circumstances of this case; and whether he intends to propose legislation to remedy the present state of the law regarding the deportation of destitute Irish-born persons who have settled in England or the Crown Colonies?
MR. J. MORLEYI have been furnished with a copy of the letter referred to in the first paragraph. It appears the woman left Ireland some 32 years ago for America, whence she proceeded about five years ago to China in company with a lady. She returned with this lady to England, her passage being provided by the Hong Kong Government, and was sent from Portsmouth to Dublin by the Salvation Army. The only other case resembling this, of which the Local Government Board have cognisance, is a removal from the Channel Islands in 1884. I have already stated that I am considering the propriety of introducing legislation, should a suitable opportunity arise, regarding the deportation of Irish born persons from Great Britain.