§ Mr. O'SHEEasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that Sergeant O'Sullivan, Royal Irish Constabulary, stationed at Ballyduff, county Waterford, made a charge of drunkenness against Maurice Feeney by summons issued for Lismore petty sessions on 15th January last; whether he is aware that, after evidence was heard, the case was adjourned on 29th January, and that meanwhile the district inspector in charge of the district investigated the matter, with the result that the charge was withdrawn on 29th January; whether the conduct of Sergeant O'Sullivan in this case has been investigated, or 1469 is about to be investigated, by the constabulary authorities; and what action he proposes to take?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Inspector-General of the Royal Irish Constabulary, as the result of his inquiries into this case, informs me that a charge of drunkenness against Maurice Feeney, at the suit of Sergeant Sullivan, was heard at Lismore Petty Sessions on 15th January last. After evidence had been given denying the charge, the case was adjourned at the request of the sergeant for the production of the constable who had been on patrol with him on the occasion. The sergeant, having subsequently ascertained that the constable differed from him as regards Feeney's condition, reported the matter to his district inspector, who directed the prosecution to be withdrawn having regard to this difference of opinion. The county inspector has been directed to investigate the case and report whether any disciplinary action is necessary.