§ MR. KENDAL O'BRIEN (Tipperary. Mid.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that Colonel Ryan-Lanigan, of Ballycahill, Thurles, in the county Tipperary, has endeavoured to prevent the people of the district from using a path on his lands, which they have used for years, by barring the way; if he can say on whose authority two policemen stand on or near the gap every Sunday when the people are going to mass, and for what purpose; and whether he will take steps to see that the police, in future, do not interfere in this matter.
(Answered by Mr. Birrell.) I am informed that a dispute exists between Colonel Ryan-Lanigan and the people of the district in regard to an alleged right of way. The police were instructed some weeks ago not to interfere in the matter beyond taking steps for the preservation of the peace. It is for that purpose only that the presence of the police at the spot is considered necessary.