§ 15. Major NEWMANasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, in view of the recent outbreak or disorder that has occurred in Dublin and Cork following on the release of persons held to be convicted of insurrection and murder in April of last year and the temporary inability of the Irish Executive to protect Government or private property or individuals from damage and injury, he is now able 507 to report that the authorities have the situation in hand and that normal conditions are restored?
§ Mr. DUKEThe implications in the question are not warranted by the facts. The outbreak of disorder in Dublin to which the hon. Member refers was of brief duration and was successfully dealt with by the police. Various persons who committed damage or molested individuals are awaiting trial upon the appropriate charges. In Cork the assemblage of great crowds in connection with the release of prisoners of the rebellion was taken advantage of on Sunday evening by a violent local faction as an opportunity for a riotous demonstration, in the course of which they attacked certain public buildings and pulled down and destroyed the flag which was flying on one of them. The police of the Royal Irish Constabulary dispersed the rioters. One man in the crowd lost his life. Three policemen suffered injuries, two of them from revolver bullets, and various men who were prominent in the fight received injuries in course of the charges made by the police. Sufficient force was promptly available for dealing with this outbreak of violence, and the very efficient arrangements made by the officers of the Royal Irish Constabulary have since been sufficient for the maintenance of order. There are in Cork forces of the Crown of ample strength upon whose support, in case of need, the constabulary are entitled to rely, and General Doran, who is in command, under the orders of the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, is well aware of the duties incumbent on him and of the limitations under which they are exercised.
§ Major NEWMANA great number of shopkeepers had their buildings damaged. Will they be compensated by the Government?
§ Mr. DUKEI suppose that they will be dealt with in the ordinary course, under the law in Ireland, as people who have suffered by malicious damage.