§ Mr. HACKETTasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that Michael Slattery, Esq., J.P., was elected chairman, South Tipperary County Council, last June, previous to which he was not a justice of the peace; that the Killenaule, Ballynonty, Petty Sessions are held once in each month, and that Mr. Slattery attended and acted twice previous to the election of petty sessions clerk; whether Mr. Slattery's appointment as justice of the peace dates from the date on which he made the declaration and took the oath as required by the Local Government Act, 40 1898, to be made by chairmen of county councils before acting as justice of the peace; whether, seeing that Mr. Slattery took the oath and made the necessary declaration in July, and that Mr. Slattery attended and acted as a justice at Killenaule, Ballynonty, Petty Sessions at the usual monthly petty sessions court in September, he will say, if, under these circumstances, Mr. Slattery was qualified to vote at the election of petty sessions clerk, held on 13th October, as he had made a proportionate attendance preceding the election as required by the Act of Parliament; and whether he will advise the Lord Lieutenant, under the circumstances as set forth, to allow Mr. Slattery's vote and declare the election held on the 13th October valid?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI am aware that Mr. Slattery was elected chairman of the South Tipperary County Council in June last, but he was not sworn in as a magistrate until July. The petty sessions referred to are held monthly as stated. The attendances necessary to qualify for a vote must be made prior to the occurrence of the vacancy. Mr. Slattery did not attend at either of these petty sessions before the vacancy took place on 12th September, and consequently he is not entitled to a vote.