§ MR. O'DOWDI beg to ask Mr. Attorney General for Ireland whether he is aware that, in selecting areas for the applotment of amounts awarded in cases of claims for malicious injuries, the county court judges in parts of Ireland exempted those portions occupied by applicants; whether he is aware that Mr. Justice Gibson, at the Sligo Assizes, recently stated that judges had no jurisdiction to make such exemptions, and whether, under the circumstances, steps will be taken to have these exemption orders cancelled wherever they exist.
§ * THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. ATKINSON,) Londonderry, N.According to the reports published in the newspapers, Mr. Justice Gibson has decided as mentioned. The question, however, is, I think, based on a misconception of the relation between the Executive and the Judiciary. These determinations of the judges are judicial decisions, over which the Executive have no control whatever. I believe Mr. Justice Gibson did decide the point mentioned in the manner stated.
§ MR. O'DOWDWas it not a unanimous decision of the Irish judges?
§ * MR. ATKINSONNo, Sir.