CAPTAIN CEAIGI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the statement made recently by County Court Judge Curran, in addressing the Grand Jury at Longford, when he stated that cattle-driving would never cease so long as the Government only bound to the peace those who were caught in the act, and that the test of the measures taken by the Government was found in the fact that there were no good results; that they had been binding people to keep the peace in many parts of Ireland but cattle-driving was still pursued, and that the attitude of the authorities tended to demoralise and dishearten almost everyone connected with the administration of justice in the country; that it disheartened resident magistrates and must tend to demoralise the police force; and what action, if any, the Government intend to take in order to restore law and order in the counties referred to.
§ MR. BIRRELLMy right hon. friend the Attorney-General for Ireland replied 102 to a Question on this subject yesterday. I have nothing to add to his reply, beyond saying that the Government do not agree with the opinions stated to have been expressed by the County Court Judge.
CAPTAIN CRAIGAs the Chief Secretary does not take so serious a view of these matters as we do, I will put a Question on the whole subject to the Prime Minister next Tuesday.