HC Deb 25 June 1918 vol 107 cc898-9W
Mr. McKEAN

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that at a place called Carrigartha, near Castle-blayney, in the county of Monaghan, a civilian, by name Patrick Duffy, died as a result of gunshot and bayonet wounds inflicted in the early morning of the 4th instant by two soldiers named, respectively,. Sleight and Rodgers; that the two soldiers referred to, although summoned by the police, failed to attend the first inquest on the deceased; if he can state the cause of such absence; and whether, having regard to the verdict of the jury that the military were not justified in their action, any inquiry has been, or will be, held into the circumstances of the occurrence?

Mr. SHORTT

I am informed that Patrick Duffy died as the result of rifle and bayonet wounds, but whether inflicted by the soldiers mentioned I have no evidence before me. I am informed that the two soldiers referred to failed to attend on the first occasion on which they were summoned owing to a misunderstanding. I am informed that an inquiry has been held by the military authorities, and the matter is at present under the consideration of my right hon. Friend the Undersecretary of State for War.