HC Deb 07 March 1902 vol 104 cc728-9
DR. AMBROSE (Mayo, W.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether any, and, if so, what action has been taken against a constable of the Royal Irish Constabulary who committed an assault on a young man in the public street of Castlebar on the night of the 15th ultimo, when the hon. Member for South Roscommon was on his way to the prison in that town; whether he is aware that the said assault was witnessed by the District Inspector and Head Constable of Castlebar; and whether, in the event of proceedings not having been taken, he will see that immediate action is instituted.

MR. ATKINSON

It appears that a number of boys followed the car on which the hon. Member was being conveyed to prison, and that a constable, with a view to prevent a demonstration, pushed one of the boys back and thus prevented the others from following the car any further. The District Inspector expressed his disapproval of the conduct of the constable at the time of the occurrence. The incident does not call for any further action on the part of the Constabulary authorities.

In reply to another Question by Mr. PATRICK O'BRIEN (Kilkenny),

MR. ATKINSON

said there was nothing to prevent the boy proceeding against the constable.