§ 24. Mr. O'DONNELLasked the Chief Secretary whether Mr. O'Hannrahan is detained by the police in Abbeyfeale because he gave his name in Irish; and whether he will explain the action of the authorities in this matter?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe police authorities inform me that this man was found on licensed premises during closing hours, and when called upon for his name and address answered in Irish, which the police did not understand. He refused to give the information asked for in English, and he also declined to answer in Irish when the publican undertook to interpret what he said. The police, who were not aware of his identity, arrested him under the powers conferred on them by Section 27 of the Licensing Act of 1874. He was brought before a local justice, who, on the prisoner refusing to answer in English or 1034 write his name in Irish, ordered his detention until the following day when he was brought before the resident magistrate, who discharged him to be summoned.
§ Mr. LARDNERWill the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether he was cautioned when taken into custody?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI assume he was.
§ Mr. LARDNERWill he tell us in what language?