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Dáil Éireann - Volume 32 - 06 November, 1929

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Allegations Against Detectives.

Mr. de Valera asked the Minister for Justice if it has been reported to him that on or about the 22nd July last, Mr. Patrick Cahill, Crossmore, Kilmurry-MacMahon, Co. Clare, was assaulted and threatened with murder by members of the Detective Branch of the Gárda Síochána on the premises of Mr. T. J. Ryan, Cranny, Co. Clare; if he has caused any inquiry to be made into the report, and, if so, if he will state by whom such inquiry was held, the names of the witnesses examined, the result of the inquiry, and the nature of the disciplinary action, if any, taken against the officers concerned; also if he will state whether Mr. T.J. Ryan's house is still occupied by members of the Detective Branch of the Gárda Síochána.

Minister for Justice (Mr. Fitzgerald-Kenney): The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The portions of the question about the inquiry do not therefore arise. The answer to the last part of the Deputy's question is that the house of T.J. Ryan has never been occupied by members of the Gárda Síochána.

Mr. de Valera: Is it not a fact that members of the Gárda Síochána, the C.I.D. section, went into Mr. Ryan's house and stayed there as long as they pleased; went into the bedrooms and stayed; and if a visitor came into the house, sat down while the visitors remained. If that is not “occupation” I would like to know what “occupation” is?

[708] Mr. Fitzgerald-Kenney: The Deputy may define “occupation” any way he likes, but my answer is that the house is not occupied by the Gárda Síochána. Mr. Ryan, of course, is under close surveillance.

Mr. de Valera asked the Minister for Justice if he has received a report of an assault alleged to have been committed by a member of the Detective Branch of the Gárda Síochána on Mr. Thomas Breen, Derryshane, Coolmeen, Co. Clare, on the 12th September last; if he has caused any inquiry to be made into the allegation, and, if so, if he will state by whom such inquiry was held, the names of the witnesses examined, the result of the inquiry, and the nature of the disciplinary action, if any, taken against the officer concerned.

Mr. Fitzgerald - Kenney: The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The other parts of the question do not, therefore, arise.

Mr. de Valera: I have here copies of the statement and affidavit. I understood the Minister had them. If it would be of any interest to the Minister, I will give them to him. If I give these to the Minister, will he have the inquiries suggested in the question made?

Mr. Fitzgerald-Kenney: I am not going to bind myself to act upon documents I have never seen.

Mr. de Valera: The Minister has refused to answer a certain part of this question on the ground that he has not got a report. If I furnish him with the report, will he act on it?

Mr. Fitzgerald-Kenney: The Deputy asked me a question as to whether I had received reports of an assault. My answer is that these reports were never made to me.

Mr. de Valera: And my question is: if I give the Minister copies of this report and affidavit, will he have inquiries made?

[709] Mr. Fitzgerald-Kenney: I will look into any document that the Deputy sends me, but I will not tie myself down to any course of action to be taken upon a document that I have never seen.

Mr. de Valera: I take it that I will get a reply within a reasonable time.

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