asked the Minister for Defence on whose authority a party of military raided his house at Bray Head on Tuesday, the 10th inst., and stated his brothers and he were all Irregulars. In view of the fact that about five months ago a party of military, evidently acting on the instructions of the same officer, shot up this house, and caused damage to the extent of about £25, will he now cause an enquiry to be held into both incidents. Will he also consider the advisability of transferring the officer now in charge of Bray, and also all other officers who are doing duty in the districts in which they previously resided?
[WRITTEN ANSWERS.] - MILITARY SEARCH AT BRAY.
Enquiries have been made. The house in question is situated very close to the Coastguard Station, which is occupied by troops, and has, I am informed, been uninhabited since about September last. At about 8 p.m. on the 10th April a soldier on duty noticed a light in one of the windows, and naturally reported the fact. The officer in charge instructed a corporal and a soldier to investigate the matter. The corporal entered the house, and met a man who stated that he was Mr. Staines, Senior, and that he was doing some repairs. They had, I understand, a friendly conversation for a few minutes, and nothing more occurred. It is not known who caused the damage referred to in the question. Under the circumstances no further action appears to be necessary.