§ MR. NANNETTI (Dublin, College Green)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that, while the game of polo is allowed to be played in that part of the Phœnix Park known as the Nine Acres, the members of the Sluagh na h-Eireann are not allowed to play Gaelic games there; and, if so, will he state under what authority the Commissioners of Police are under an obligation nor, to increase the enclosures or number of allotments in the park; whether the Commissioners have authority to enforce prohibitive measures against the games played by most of the young men in Dublin, seeing that the history of the Phœnix Park clearly shows that the park belongs to the citizens of Dublin.
§ MR. WYNDHAMPolo is allowed on a certain portion of the Nine Acres. There has been considerable opposition in the past to the allotments already provided in the park for cricket and polo and the Commissioners of Public Works have been required not to increase these allotments. Owing to the damage to the turf and the annoyance caused to the general public by the playing of other games on the Nine Acres, a prohibition was issued on the advice of the Law Officers and has been enforced by the Courts. The park is a Royal Park, the property of the Crown, and the duties and powers of the Commissioners in respect to it are conferred by the Act 23 and 24 Vic, cap. 42.
In answer to a further Question, the right hon. Gentleman said he believed that the present arrangement were for the general convenience of the inhabitants. There must be some give and take.