§ MR. MOONEY (Dublin County, S.)I wish to ask leave to move the adjournment of the House, in order to call attention to an urgent matter of public importance—namely, the failure of the Irish Executive promptly to prosecute certain persons in the employment of the South Dublin Unionist Registration Association for fraudently tampering with the registration forms prescribed by the Representation of the Peoples Act, 1884, wherelly large numbers of persons have been unjustly deprived of their votes, or to take any steps by which the said persons might be prevented from flying from justice.
§ * MR. SPEAKERI cannot put the Motion to the House, because it has been stated by the Attorney-General for Ireland, in reply to a Question to-day, that the question of instituting criminal proceedings is under the consideration of the Government.
§ MR. MOONEYMy complaint is that the Government have taken no steps to prevent these persons flying from justice.
§ * MR. SPEAKERBut the question of taking criminal prcceedings is being considered and the Government have promised to proceed with the utmost possible despatch. I cannot, therefore, treat this as a matter of urgency.
§ MR. MOONEYAnd while the Government are considering, no steps are being taken to prevent these people getting away.
§ * MR. SPEAKERIn connection with criminal proceedings the Government must have time for consideration.