asked the Minister for Justice whether the Siemens-Schuckert Shannon Workers' Club, Ardnacrusha, has been raided recently by members of the Gárda Síochána, and documents and books removed therefrom; whether this raid was authorised by him, and, if so, for what purpose, and whether it is proposed to institute any legal proceedings in connection with the affairs of the club.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - SHANNON WORKERS' CLUB.
The Siemens-Schuckert Shannon Workers' Club, Ardnacrusha, was recently visited by members of the Gárda Síochána, duly authorised under the Registration of Clubs Acts, for the purpose of seeing that the club was properly supervised, as required by those Acts. The question as to whether, as a result of the visit, any legal proceedings are necessary is at present under consideration.
Can the Minister inform us if books and documents were seized by the Gárda Síochána?
I cannot definitely say whether any books or documents were taken, but if they were it must have been with a view to seeing whether this place was properly conducted.
Has the Department not authorised this raid, and if so, has the Minister not ascertained what occurred on the occasion?
The Guards are always authorised by the Department of Justice to do their work.
Are we to take it from the Minister that he has not yet been informed of what occurred on the occasion of the raid which his Department authorised?
I know what happened on the occasion of the raid. The Guards went in in the ordinary way and conducted the raid in a proper manner.
Did they seize the books and documents?
If necessary, they would.
Did they? That is my question. I think the Minister should answer it.
I have already informed the Deputy. As to whether they took away documents or not, I am not in a position to answer.
Did you make any inquiry?