HC Deb 13 June 1895 vol 34 cc1044-5
MR. MICHAEL AUSTIN (Limerick, W.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, whether a sworn inquiry will be granted into the grave charges alleged against Mr. Dawson, Petty Sessions Clerk, Newcastle West. County Limerick, viz.: neglect of duty, misappropriation of the public funds, canvassing magistrates for decisions in favour of parties in whom he was personally interested, and inducing a magistrate to refuse information in a case of serious assault, as evidence in support of these charges can be given at such an inquiry by magistrates of the district and respectable residents of Newcastle West?

MR. J. MORLEY

I am advised that it is open to any person to prefer a charge against a Clerk of Petty Sessions either to the Lord Lieutenant or to the magistrates of the district. If such a charge be definitely preferred to the Lord Lieutenant against the Petty Sessions Clerk referred to in the question, immediate steps will be taken to inquire into it. But such an inquiry would not, I understand, be on oath, as there is no power in the Lord Lieutenant to order a sworn inquiry in such cases.

MR. AUSTIN

asked whether it was not the right hon. Gentleman's duty to dismiss this official when these charges were made against him?

MR. J. MORLEY

I can give no answer except that which I have already given.

MR. JAMES O'CONNOR (Wicklow, W.)

Is it true that this gentleman has been charged with the misappropriation of funds?

MR. J. MORLEY

Various charges have from time to time been brought against him, and he has twice or thrice been reinstated.