asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that John Blake, of Ballynacally, Co. Clare, was taken from his home on the night of November 13th, 1925, kicked and beaten by persons who it is alleged were members of the Detective Division of the Gárda Síochána, and forced by them to sign a document, the purport of which the boy is unable to indicate, and if he will state what investigations have been made in the case and at what stage the matter now is.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - ALLEGED ASSAULT ON CLARE MAN.
I have had enquiry made into the subject matter of the Deputy's question, and am satisfied that there is no truth in the allegations made by John Blake.
Mr. HOGAN
Would the Minister indicate in what manner the investigations were made? Will he indicate whether the man who was beaten and made to sign a document has been interrogated as to his statement in the matter, and will he put before us some evidence to show that the matter has been properly investigated, because I have repeated evidence that this man was taken from his house and beaten, not once, but on several occasions, and I am not satisfied that the case was investigated either on the first or any other occasion?
I can relate what has been done. Statements were received from the members of the Gárda Síochána, the father of the boy, and the boy. I cannot state negatively the evidence on which the statement I have read from the Department of Justice is founded, but, if the Deputy has any further information which he thinks will throw light on the matter, and sends it on, that can be considered.