§ Mr. DEVLINasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether shots discharged by armed forces of the Crown on Sunday morning, 14th instant, seriously endangered the lives of the young patients in the Children's Hospital, Temple Street, Dublin; whether the patients, who are 64W all under 10 years of age, were awakened by the noise of the explosions and greatly alarmed; whether there are several bullet marks on the door and other portions of the building; and what explanation he can give of the matter?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI have inquired into this matter, and am informed that several shots were fired in the vicinity of the hospital about 5 a.m. on the morning in question, but that there is no justification for the hon. Member's suggestion that they were fired by members of the forces of the Crown. I am glad to state that although some of the children in the hospital were awakened by the noise and cried, they were not adversely affected in their progress towards recovery. The outrage was possibly committed by a band of armed burglars, who broke into some premises only 150 yards away shortly before 5 a.m. on the same day, and are known to have fired at the occupier of these premises.