§ MR. T. M. HEALYI beg to ask Mr. Attorney General for Ireland whether he is aware that James Fitzharris, a released prisoner, was refused a licence as a car-driver in Dublin by the police authorities, and being deprived of any means of earning a living has had to become a pauper in the South Dublin Workhouse; and whether it has hitherto been the policy of the authorities to assist released 352 prisoners, irrespective of the accusation against them; and, if so, whether the Government will now interpose any obstacle to a renewal of the car licence to Fitzharris, and thus prevent a man who is willing to work being an enforced burden on the ratepayers.
§ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. Atkinson,) Londonderry, N.The Chief Commissioner of Police, in the exercise of the powers conferred upon him by Section 52 of the Dublin Carriage Act, 1854, refused, in conformity with invariable practice, to grant a licence to Fitzharris, he having been convicted of a felony—namely, of being accessory to the murder of Mr. Burke, and having been only recently discharged on ticket-of-leave. The Prisons Board assist released prisoners, but with a due regard in every case to the character and antecedents of the prisoner. In answer to the second inquiry in the last paragraph, I beg to say the matter is not one calling for any action on the part of the Government.
§ MR. T. M. HEALYHas not the man already undergone his full punishment?
§ MR. ATKINSONNo, Sir.
§ MR. T. M. HEALYWhy should he be forced either to starve or come on the ratepayers for his maintenance? He is willing to work if only he can get a licence.
§ MR. ATKINSONThe law gives the police discretion to refuse a licence to a man who has been convicted of felony.