HC Deb 31 March 1910 vol 15 cc1441-2
Captain CRAIG

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention had been called to a claim lodged with the Clare County Council, by a Mr. Stephen O'Halloran, for compensation for the loss of a bullock who was found shot through the breast, the bullet penetrating to the lung; whether any one had been arrested in connection with this outrage; upon how many occasions Mr. O'Halloran's cattle have been driven; and whether any persons had been arrested and punished for such offences?

Mr. BIRRELL

I understand that the owner of the bullock which was shot has made a claim for compensation. No person has been arrested up to the present for shooting it. The owner's cattle were driven once off one farm and three times off another between September, 1908, and January, 1909. No one has been arrested or punished in connection with these drives, but compensation was claimed and awarded in the last case.

Captain CRAIG

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he was aware that the cattle belonging to Mr. Peter Doyne had been driven off his farm at Taughmon, Mullingar, on four occasions; what was the cause of the failure to prevent the frequency of the offence; and whether he proposed to take any further steps with the object of better protecting Mr. Doyne's cattle from being again driven?

Mr. BIRRELL

I am informed by the constabulary authorities that the cattle have been driven several times from this farm as stated in the question. In connection with one of these drives, four men were committed to gaol on the 15th inst. for ten weeks in default of bail. The police are doing all they can, short of being constantly on the lands, but, owing to the size and situation of the farm, it is difficult to prevent the cattle being driven, more particularly as the owner takes no steps to protect his property.

Captain CRAIG

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he can suggest what steps the owner should take?

Mr. BIRRELL

I think a large grazier with 230 acres might employ more than one herd.

Captain CRAIG

Would there be anything against the owner of this farm carrying arms for his own protection and that of his stock?

Mr. BIRRELL

I should recommend him to act with caution in all such matters.

Captain CRAIG

Would the right hon. Gentleman give the same advice to the United Irish League?

Mr. BIRRELL

I give the same advice to everybody.