HC Deb 29 April 1909 vol 4 cc629-30W
Mr. DUFFY

asked the Attorney-General for Ireland whether his attention was drawn to the censure passed by Judge Johnson at the late Galway Assizes on the indiscriminate use of firearms by a bailiff named Egan, on the estate of Captain Persse, Roxborough, Loughrea; whether he is aware that Egan flourishes firearms with or without excuse; and, having regard to the disturbed state of the district, will he cause an investigation to be held by the police into the number of persons this bailiff fired at and the number of persons he threatened to fire at, with a view of instituting proceedings against him at the coming Assizes?

Mr. CHERRY

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the question on the same subject asked by him on the 7th instant. I am informed by the police authorities that there is no truth whatever in the allegation that the gamekeeper, John Egan, is in the habit of flourishing firearms with or without excuse. He is now nearly nine years in Gaptain Persse's employment as an assistant gamekeeper. During that time there has been no complaint made to the police against him as to his making an improper use of firearms. If any person has any accusation to make against Egan, he can proceed according to the ordinary methods, for vindication of the law.