asked the Minister for Justice whether he is aware that in a raid by members of the Gárda Síochána on the house of Mr. Jeremiah Cullen, Kilcarbary, Enniscorthy, on the 5th November, 1928, a Fianna Handbook, several copies of the Constitution of Fianna Eireann, and some training circulars of that organisation were taken away from Mr. Thomas Dwyer, who resides there; and if he is further aware that the Fianna Handbook was the property of the late Liam Mellows and was being kept as a souvenir by Mr. Dwyer; and if it is intended to have this handbook returned.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - SEIZURE OF HANDBOOK.
On the morning of the 5th instant members of the Gárda Síochána searched, under the authority of the Firearms Act, 1925, a room occupied by Thomas Dwyer in the house of Mr. Jeremiah Cullen, of Kilcarbary, Enniscorthy. Dwyer was absent at the time, and a book entitled "Fiánna Handbook," bearing the name of J. Dunbar, O/C "B" Company, 1st Battalion, Fiánna Eireann, Ferns, containing instructions in drill, manoeuvres and use of firearms, was seized. There was no other entry in the book to indicate the previous ownership thereof, and the local Superintendent is in possession of a statement signed by Mr. Dunbar which shows that it was not the property of the late Liam Mellows. It is not intended to return the book to Mr. Dwyer.
Will the Minister say if he considers that Fiánna Eireann is an illegal organisation?
I consider that books which advocate or give instructions in the use of firearms, as I explained at length in this House before, should not be in use.
I should like an answer to my question—Does the Minister consider that the Fiánna is an illegal organisation?
That is quite a different question.
When does the Minister intend to take his murder gang out of my constituency?
Does the Minister's objection to this organisation extend to Deputy Cooper's organisation also?
The Deputy's memory is very short. If he will turn up the report of the debate which took place on the adjournment some time ago, he will get full information on the subject. My speech was a most lucid and informative one.
Would the Minister answer my question?