CAPTAIN CRAIGI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant 556 of Ireland whether he is aware that a man named Nicholas Quinlan assaulted David Heylin, of the firm of Fitzgerald Brothers, at Ballybricken Fair, Water-ford, on 20th October last, by striking him on the head with an ash plant, and subsequently after having his wound dressed, Heylin was again brutally assaulted by Maurice Quinlan and his two sons, Patrick and Nicholas, in the presence of the police; whether he can say if Heylin has recovered from the effects of the assault; and what arrests have been made, and what sentences passed.
§ MR. BIRRELLI understand that civil proceedings are pending in this case. It would be undesirable to enter into particulars while the matter is sub judice.
CAPTAIN CRAIGIn cases of that sort where an outrage is observed by the police, are they not permitted to take action immediately for assaults committed?
§ MR. BIRRELLThe police have the fullest powers to take what steps they think necessary in the interests of the repression of violence.
§ MR. BIRRELLThey exercised their discretion.