§ DR. ROBERT AMBROSE (Mayo, W.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been directed to the case of Mrs. Brennan, Breaffy, county Mayo, who was committed to Castlebar Gaol for contempt of court by the Vice-Chancellor in November last; whether he is aware that she held jointly with her brother, and was prepared to pay the amount due; that the landlord suggested she should submit to eviction on the understanding that another holding would be provided for her; and that the contempt of court was due to the non-fulfilment of the landlord's promise; whether the proceedings might have been taken before the local petty sessions, where Mrs. Brennan could have brought forward the facts of the case; and whether, seeing that her children are in the union, and that her husband, who has been working in England, returned with the intention of bringing her over, if released, with her family, he will recommend her release at an early date?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURMrs. Brennan was committed to Castlebar Prison in October last for contempt under an Order of the Court of Chancery. The responsibility for the proceedings in such cases rests altogether with the Court, and the Executive have no power to interfere in any way. I understand that this woman's children are living with her husband and not in the workhouse as stated.
§ DR. AMBROSEIs it not the fact that the husband, who had been harvesting in England, went to Ireland with the intention of bringing his wife and children over here?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURI have no information as to that.