§ Mr. MacVEAGHasked the Chief Secretary whether, at the military inquiry into the murder of Mr. Sean O'Brien, chairman of the Charleville District Council, it was given in evidence that the deceased made a dying statement that he had been beaten and shot by two Black-and-Tans; whether a policeman who was barrack orderly on the night of the murder deposed that two constables were missing from the barracks when a patrol was ordered out after the murder; whether the barrack orderly further stated that when the two constables returned they failed to report to him, although the regulations required them to do so; whether, notwithstanding this evidence, the military officers returned 1317W a verdict of wilful murder by some persons unknown; and what action he proposes to take?
§ Mr. HENRYWith the exception that no allegation that he had been beaten was made by Mr. O'Brien the reply to the whole of this question is in the affirmative. I would add, however, that both the constables referred to were called as witnesses at the inquiry, and were closely examined with regard to their movements during their absence. The matter is being further investigated. The military court held in lieu of inquest examined 17 witnesses and brought in the finding as mentioned in the question.