§ MR. DELANY (Queen's County, Ossory)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether any information is forthcoming of the whereabouts of Constable Masterson, Royal Irish Constabulary, late of Mount-mellick, who was returned for trial to the Queen's County assizes for an assault committed on Edward Carroll, Rosenallis, on March 17th, 1905; and whether he can say why Masterson was permitted to abscond pending trial, and the payment of damages obtained against him in a civil action arising out of the same case.
I beg also to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that a verdict for £100 damages and costs was obtained by a labourer, named Edward Carroll, Lacken, Rosenallis, Queen's County, against Constables Masterson and Cryan, Royal Irish Constabulary, late of Mountmellick, for an assault committed on March 17th, 1905; can he say if the damages have been paid; and, if not, will he see, considering Carroll's health has been permanently injured, that Constable Cryan, who is still in the force, does not evade his responsibilities in the matter.
MR. BRYCEThe Inspector-General informs me that no information is forthcoming as to the whereabouts of ex-constable Masterson. The matters referred to occurred before the present Government came into office, and I find that my predecessor made a full statement upon the matters in reply to Questions put by the hon. Member. As regards the case of Constable Cryan, I am informed that no change has taken place since I answered the hon. Member's previous Question on March 1st last. † The plaintiff does not appear to have accepted the constable's offer to pay his share of
† See (4) Debates, clii., 1270.788 the damages by instalments. The question of proceeding for the recovery of the damages is one for the plaintiff.