Mr. NUGENTasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, whether he is aware that a sergeant of the Royal Irish Constabulary, Kingscourt, county Cavan district, waited on an officer of the local branch of the Ancient Order 440W of Hibernians, warning him that he would not be permitted to hold the regular monthly meeting in the Hibernian Hall unless he had applied for and received a permit; whether this officer was out-stepping his duty or, if not, why information was not supplied to the executive officer of the society; is he aware that this organisation is registered under the Friendly Societies Act, and approved by the National Health Insurance Committee for the administration of national insurance; that regular meetings are necessary to conduct the business of the society; and, if so, what action he proposes taking with reference thereto?
§ Mr. SHORTTI am informed that on the 21st inst the Sergeant of Police at Kingscourt asked the Secretary of the Local Branch of the Ancient Order of Hibernians was that the day for holding the monthly meeting, and he replied that it was, and he was then informed that it would be necessary for him to have a permit. As I have already stated, all meetings, assemblies or processions in public places are prohibited by order of 4th July under the Defence of the Realm Regulations, unless a permit is obtained. The police have already been instructed that the Proclamation is not intended to apply to meetings such as that mentioned in the question.