§ MR. FLAVINTo ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that a charge of drunkenness was preferred a short time since at Listowel against Constable John Shannon; that at the Court of Inquiry evidence was given on oath by twelve policemen and fifteen civilians, including three doctors who are magistrates, that Constable Shannon was perfectly sober; and that Head Constable Wilson, District Inspector Horgan, and Sergeant Kirby swore that Constable Shannon was drunk, and removed him off duty for this offence: and, seeing that the Court of Inquiry presided over by two district inspectors acquitted Constable Shannon on the charge of drunkenness, will he say what action the Government or the Inspector General of Constabulary will take in the matter.
(Answered by Mr. Wyndham.) The Court of Inquiry came to the conclusion, in which the Inspector General concurred, that the charge of drunkenness had not been substantiated. The constable, however, was fined in a small sum on another charge and transferred from Listowel. No further action in the case is contemplated.