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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 25 Apr 1923

Vol. 3 No. 7

CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. [ORAL ANSWERS.] - DUBLIN RAID.

asked the Minister for Home Affairs whether it was by his authority or by any of his subordinates that a raid was made on the house of Mrs. Comyn, 9 Northbrook Road, Leeson Park, Dublin, at 11 p.m., on the 16th April, by two armed men, who stated they came from Oriel House; whether he is aware that they remained over an hour in the house, doing considerable damage, and to ask what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

Mr. O'HIGGINS

Exhaustive enquiries have been made relative to the alleged raid on the house of Mrs. Comyn, 9 Northbrook Road, and it has been definitely ascertained that no such raid was either authorised or carried out by officers of the Criminal Investigation Department. Enquiries are being continued with a view to ascertaining, if possible, the identity of the individuals responsible.

Does the Minister know that a similar raid took place just a few weeks before and whether the information which was supplied to the Criminal Investigation Department has been followed up?

Mr. O'HIGGINS

I have not any specific information to that effect, except that the Deputy has shown that that is so. I am aware that raids are being carried out by men using the name of the C.I.D., and I have not yet succeeded in tracing the persons who raid in that way and who wrongly use the name of the Criminal Investigation Department.

Will the Minister consider the wisdom of giving some certificate, badge or authority to any official raider, so that the arms that are now to be allowed to be used will not be used against the wrong persons?

Mr. O'HIGGINS

All the raids that are carried out by the Criminal Investigation Department are carried out on forms which set out the authority to raid and with spaces below for the results of the raid: whether there were any arrests made or whether there was any material taken, and so on. In addition to that the Criminal Investigation Department have a badge, and any person wishing for information as to the authority for a particular raid carried out by the C.I.D. will immediately get it.

Would it not be the view of the Minister that that should be the first act on the part of the persons carrying out the raid: that is to say, that they should show the badge and the authority?

Mr. O'HIGGINS

I understand it is the first act immediately to establish their official standing. On this general question of raids being carried out in the name of the C.I.D., I have put it up to the Director of that Establishment and to subordinate officers in it that it is very much in their interest and for the good name of their institution that they should track down the people who are carrying out unauthorised raids in their name.

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