asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that a Sergeant of the C.I.D. Force, Macroom, was recently convicted of assault on a prisoner in custody in the Gárda Barracks at Ballyvourney, and that damages to the amount of £10 were awarded against him; and if he will state whether disciplinary action has been taken or will be taken, and whether it is proposed to retain this man's services in the force.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - CHARGE AGAINST MACROOM C.I.D. SERGEANT.
Mr. CORKERY
Mr. FITZGERALD-KENNEY
In an action brought against a Sergeant of the Gárda Síochána at the Circuit Court in Macroom the jury found that the defendant committed a slight assault on the plaintiff and they assessed damages at £10. It is considered that having regard to the trivial nature of the assault the Sergeant has been sufficiently punished by the award of damages and no further disciplinary punishment will be imposed.
Mr. CORKERY
Is the Minister aware that this Sergeant has been reported several times to the local Superintendent, who has promised to demand an inquiry into his conduct?
Mr. FITZGERALD-KENNEY
I know that this Sergeant is extremely able and efficient and is held in esteem by all the law-abiding people in that district and they have gone to the trouble of saying so.
Several Deputies rose.
AN CEANN COMHAIRLE
Next question.