§ Mr. RENDALLasked the Chief Secretary whether any inquiry has been held into the shooting at Cork, on the 2nd March, of an old man aged 70, alleged to have been killed by members of the Crown forces?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODThis occurred in the martial law area, and I am informed by the Commander-in-Chief that the Court of Inquiry in this case found that the deceased man, Denis O'Brien, was out in a street in Cork City during curfew hours, that he was challenged several times by the curfew patrol, and failing to answer or to stop, was shot. It is most unfortunate that this man should have been exposed to the risk incurred in disregarding the curfew restrictions, but no blame for the unhappy result can attach to the man who fired.
§ Mr. KILEYasked the Chief Secretary whether any inquiry has been held into 1260W the case of the shooting of an old man by the police near Ballinalee in February last?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODA Court of Inquiry was held in the case of Michael Farrell, of Ballinalee, and the finding was that the deceased was shot by a member of the Crown forces in the execution of his duty, and that he was attempting to evade arrest when fired upon. According to the evidence Crown forces were investigating a particularly bad ambush which had taken place on the previous day 50 yards from Farrell's house. Farrell was seen looking out from behind a ruined wall. He came out when summoned, and advanced a short way and tried to regain the wall. He was then fired on.