HC Deb 09 December 1912 vol 45 cc61-2W
Mr. CREAN

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that Con- stable Jackson, Royal Irish Constabulary, Kinsale, caused damage to the extent of £ 100 to a steam roller, the property of the Cork County Council; if the application made by that body to the Inspector General, Royal Irish Constabulary, for compensation has been refused; if the Government are responsible for the acts of its officers or employé s as are the ordinary employers of labour in this country; and if he will see that the Cork County Council comes by no less by the act of this constable?

Mr. BIRRELL

The circumstances under which the damage was caused to the steam roller were not such as would, in the opinion of the constabulary authorities, cast any legal responsibility on them. If the action of the constable on the occasion was not justified, it is open to the county council to take proceedings against him.