§ MR. MOONEY (Newry)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention, has been called to the result of a recent action for slander against a constable of the Royal Irish Constabulary, stationed at Greencastle; whether the usual course-in such cases is to transfer the constable or constables concerned; whether this has been done in this case; and, if not, whether it is proposed to transfer those involved to another district.
§ MR. CHERRYIn this case a decree or £2 and costs was given against the constable. The Inspector-General informs me that in such a case it is the usual practice to remove the constable concerned to another district; but in this particular case the question of transferring the constable has been held over pending the return to duty of the Commissioner of Police, who has been ill for some time. The Inspector-General's attention has only now been called to the matter, and he is making further inquiries with the object of considering what action may be necessary.
§ MR. MOONEYAre we to understand from this reply that the Inspector-General's attention is not directed to these cases unless questions are first asked in this House?
§ MR. CHERRYI believe in this case the matter was under the consideration 87 of the authorities before the Question was put, but I would remind the hon. Member that with the present position of affairs in Belfast the time of the Inspector-General is fully occupied. This matter was so trifling that the County Court Judge only awarded £2 damages.