§ MR. J. ROCHE (Galway, E.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, whether his attention has been called to the case of a tenant named Patrick M'Inerney, of Moreens West, near Carrigaholt, county Clare, who was processed by his landlord to Kilrush County Court in October last for recovery of £11 arrears of rent; whether he is aware that before the case came on for hearing the amount was forwarded to the land agent by Father Vaughan, but that, notwithstanding, a decree for the full amount and £2 15s. costs was obtained; that, without notice to the tenant, and despite his protest, his horse was seized on foot of the decree and brought to the common pound; and that eight policemen accompanied the bailiff to make the seizure; and, whether he has sanctioned the sending an escort of police to assist the landlord, under the circumstances where the rent had been already paid?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURThe facts appear to be as stated in the question. The occurrence is one which I regret should have taken place, though, as regards the action of the police in the matter, they were bound to afford protection on receipt from the Sheriff of his requisition for protection in the execution of the Civil Bill Decree against M'Inerney. The police were not aware that M'Inerney had previously paid to his landlord the arrears of rent due by him; and had they been aware of the fact before proceeding to escort the Sheriff's bailiff, they would have made such representations to the landlord or to the Sheriff as would doubtless have obviated the execution of the decree.