§ DR. AMBROSETo ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he could say how many years service in the Royal Irish Constabulary has been put in by Head-Constable Magee, of Newport, county Mayo; is he aware that this officer attends regularly the meetings of the Orange and Freemason societies which are hold in Castle-bar, thus absenting himself from duty; is he within his rights in doing so; is he aware that this officer has neglected to prosecute a man named Malley for 741 setting fire to heath belonging to Mr. E. Thomas-O'Donel, of Newport, although six witnesses swore in court that they saw Malley setting fire to the heath, for which a malicious injury claim was lodged by M r. Thomas-O'Donel, and that another malicious injury claim has been lodged by Mr. Thomas-O'Donel for setting fire to heath on the same farm; and will he see that a sworn inquiry is held into the conduct of the head-constable in refusing to prosecute Malloy, who is still at large.
(Answered by Mr. Birrell.) Head-Constable Magee has completed thirty years service. The Inspector General is informed that the head constable has not attended any meetings of the Orange or Freemasons societies. The offences referred to in the latter part of the Question were offences against the Game Laws, and the police have no power to prosecute in such cases.