CAPTAIN CRAIGTo ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware of the number of cases of manslaughter, threatening letters and notices, firing into dwelling-houses, killing and maiming cattle, incendiary fires, and boycotting in the County Galway since the last spring assizes held in Galway, of the number of persons with whom police protection has to be constant, and of cattle-driving; whether his attention has been drawn to the recent charge of Mr. Justice Madden to the grand jury, in which he stated that the condition of the county was deplorable, that recognition of the law was a thing of the past, and that it was lamentable to think of the perpetual dread of outrage, misery, and wretchedness that entered into the lives of the unfortunate people who had to pass their existence under such conditions; and will he state what steps, if any, the Government propose to take to restore law and order in that particular county.
(Answered by Mr. Birrell.) I am aware of the facts as regards crime in County Galway, and am informed by the responsible police authorities that, though the county is still in an unsatisfactory condition, there has been an appreciable improvement during the last two months. I am not aware that Mr. Justice Madden has made any comments on the state of the county, but I have seen a newspaper report of Mr. Justice Kenny's address to the grand jury at the opening of the recent assizes, in which remarks to the effect stated in the Question are attributed to the learned judge. The Government are taking all possible measures within the ordinary law for the preservation of the peace and the punishment 834 of offenders in County Galway, and a force of 350 additional police has been appointed to the county under proclamation with that object.