§ Mr. WILLIAM O'BRIENasked the Chief Secretary at whose request the Congested Districts Board have refused to recognise the election of the Achill parish committee, under the presidency of the Rev. Father Colleran, A.D.M.; whether, as certified by Dr. Croly and the local sergeant of police, the meeting of ratepayers was duly constituted, and the only disturbance of the proceedings was due to a small local political faction; and whether, if the election is to be called in question, he will direct an independent public inquiry, so as to put an end to any suspicion of the proceedings of the Congested Districts Board being influenced by political partisans?
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§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Congested Districts Board received representations signed by a number of rural district councillors and influential ratepayers of the parish of Achill protesting against the constitution of the parish committee under the presidency of the Reverend M. Colleran. The Board, having made inquiries, decided, under their regulations for parish committees, that a new election should be held. There is no power to hold the inquiry suggested, nor do I see any reason: for doing so.