asked the Minister for Justice if his Department has received any information regarding a police raid on the house of Frank McDermott, Crossmore, Kilmurray MacMahon, Co. Clare, on February 15th, 1929; if any allegations have reached his Department that certain members of the Detective Division of the Gárda Síochána engaged in the raid assaulted two men found in the house, viz., Michael Cahill and John Hassett, junior, and if he proposes to have the matter investigated in view of the affidavits sworn by these men?
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Allegations Against Detectives.
The Gárda Síochána searched the house of Frank McDermott, Crossmore, Kilmurray McMahon, Co. Clare, on the 15th February, 1929, under the authority of a search warrant. No complaints as to the manner in which the search was carried out have been received in my Department, and I am satisfied that there are no grounds for any such complaints. I do not propose to take any further action in the matter.
If the Detective Division are of opinion that these people committed an offence, will the Minister tell us why they did not bring them into court, instead of assaulting them by shoving their guns down their necks?
If the Deputy listened to my answer, he would have heard that there was no assault committed.
If I furnish to the Minister affidavits made before a Commissioner for Oaths in which these men allege that they have been assaulted, will the Minister, with a view to maintaining the status and reputation of the Detective Division, have an investigation carried out?
I am quite weary of these groundless charges against the Gárda.
Mr. Hogan
Does the Minister suggest that when two men make charges on oath these charges should be considered frivolous by his Department?
I have been acquainted with these hold-ups and assaults. I, myself, have been the victim of these assaults by the C.I.D. and I wonder what it is all about. It is the usual thing to be held up in County Clare, to get a gun stuck into your stomach, and to be told "to put them up." I want to know what it is all about.
I am afraid I do not follow the Deputy.