§ Mr. DUFFYasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that Bartly Deely, of Ballyconnell, Gort, county Galway, was fined 20s. and costs, at Gort Petty Sessions, on 1st April last., for being drunk and dis-orderly; and that he was also prosecuted by the Crown at the same petty sessions on 29th April for assaulting two young men on 17th March previous and convicted; and whether Mr. Deely had been when these offences were committed and is at present under police protection; and, if so, will he say if it is the intention of the Government to provide protection for this man in future?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI am informed by the Constabulary authorities that this man was fined, as stated, for being drunk and disorderly on 17th March. Proceedings were also instituted by the police with a view to having him bound to the peace owing to an assault alleged to have been committed by him on the same occasion, but the case was adjourned, and is stillsub judice. The fact of his conviction for drunkenness or other similar offence would not justify the police in withdrawing the protection which he requires.