HC Deb 11 May 1897 vol 49 cc196-7
MR. MICHAEL FLAVIN (Kerry, N.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he is aware that Sergeant Donaldson, of Ballybunion, County Kerry, on Sunday, 18th April 1897, prevented bonâ fide travellers from getting refreshments on the licensed premises of Edward Enright, Ballybunion, although the people so prevented were travelling from Listowel, a distance of ten miles, and tried to exercise their legal right, but, owing to the orders of Sergeant Donaldson, were compelled to leave the licensed premises without getting the necessary refreshments; and whether, owing to the fact that a very large number of tourists and the general public travel by the Lartigue railway to this well known seaside place, some inquiry will be made into the action of Sergeant Donaldson?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

It appears that on the date mentioned two men, who were not tourists, but the guard and engine driver of one of the trains, entered the licensed premises referred to, and the Sergeant, having satisfied himself that they resided at Listowel, of which fact he was not previously aware, the men refreshed themselves without being in any way prevented. The publican in question was lined for a breach of the Sunday Closing Act in January last. The action of the Sergeant, under the circumstances, was right and proper, and does not call for further notice. There will be no improper interference with the privileges of bonâ fide travellers at Ballybunion.