HC Deb 04 May 1911 vol 25 cc580-1
Mr. LUNDON

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been called to the dissatisfaction which exists in Dungannon in consequence of the failure of the police to protect the persons and property of Catholics from the attacks of Orange rowdies in the town; whether he is aware that the police have failed to take any action in a number of cases recently in which Catholics were assaulted, although the facts were within the knowledge of the police; and whether he will have inquiries made with a view to the prevention of such attacks in future?

Mr. REDMOND BARRY

I am not aware that dissatisfaction exists in Dungannon, as stated in the question. The police are not aware of any cases in which the property of Catholics has been injured except during the last Parliamentary election, when a few panes of glass were broken in the houses of Catholics. Only two recent cases of assault due to party feeling are known to the police, and in one of these two men were prosecuted for the offence. In the other case the injured party was unable to identify his assailants. Party assaults will occasionally occur, notwithstanding the vigilance of the police. Proceedings will be instituted in such cases if sufficient evidence is available.

Mr. LUNDON

asked the Chief Secretary whether he can furnish any particulars as to the circumstances under which a young man named Donnelly was assaulted on Saturday, 18th March last, and badly beaten by an Orange mob, in Perry Street, Dungannon; whether any arrests have been made in connection with the outrage; and what action, if any, the police have taken to bring the assailants of Donnelly to justice?

Mr. REDMOND BARRY

On the night of the 18th March Daniel Donnelly reported to the police that he had been assaulted in Dungannon by a man whom he did not know. His assailant was accompanied by two others also unknown, but who did not interfere. Donnelly was struck by his assailant, but was not marked or cut. Every effort was made by the police to identify the man, but without success.