asked the Minister for Justice if Mr. William Rowe, Dublin, was arrested at 7 a.m. on October 3rd, released at 11 a.m., rearrested at 11.30 a.m., and again released at 3 p.m., and further, if at 7 p.m. on the same evening Mr. Rowe was followed through Thomas St. and Meath St., Dublin, by two members of the Detective Division, who, without warning, fired several shots at him with revolvers, and, if so, to state whether such members of the Gárda Síochána acted under orders and for what purpose.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Allegations Against Members of Detective Division.
It is a fact that William Rowe was arrested twice on the 3rd instant, but it is not true to say that on the evening of that day shots were fired at him without warning. Rowe's movements were being watched by the police, and he was twice called upon to halt. He did not halt, and two shots were then fired in the air by the detectives who were pursuing him. Rowe is a member of a gang who have been responsible for many serious outrages, and it is essential to watch his movements to prevent the perpetration of further outrages. Information continually comes to hand concerning Mr. Rowe's criminal tendencies, and the events of the 3rd instant in which he figured arose out of the police surveillance to which it has been found necessary to subject him.
Will the Minister inform us on what charge Mr. Rowe was arrested twice on October 3rd, and why was it considered necessary to arrest him the third time on that day, and to fire shots at him, in order to effect his arrest? Does the Minister think it necessary in the interests of justice that a man whom the police had in custody on two occasions on one day and released, should be subjected to this fusillade in order, to effect his arrest for the third time? Will the Minister inform us of the criminal activities with which Mr. Rowe has been charged, and will he say if there is information in his Department concerning the criminal activities, of Mr. Rowe why he has not been placed on trial and given an opportunity of answering the various allegations preferred against him by the Minister?
Mr. Rowe is a well-known and prominent member of an organisation which has for its object the upsetting of established order in this country by force. Mr. Rowe is a person whose movements it is necessary, in the interests of peace and order in this country, should be very carefully watched. The fact that Mr. Rowe was arrested once in a day is no reason why he should not be arrested a second time, considering that the fact that he might have incriminating documents upon him is more likely after being arrested once than if he had not been arrested at all on that date. What the Deputy calls a "fusillade" was, as a matter of fact, two shots fired. I do not think that shots should be fired by Gárdaí arresting persons except for very strong reasons, and I have issued instructions to that effect.
Is the Minister aware that Mr. Rowe has published a statement to the effect that shots were fired by the Gárdaí without any warning whatever, and that he (Mr. Rowe) can identify the members of the police force who fired them? If the Minister is aware of that, will he say if Mr. Rowe was interviewed by any representative of the Minister's Department for the purpose of getting, a verification of that statement, or for the purpose of getting information which would enable the. Minister to take steps to inquire as to whether the statement was correct or not?
Personally, I am not aware that Mr. Rowe made any such public statement except what was contained in the Deputy's question. I am satisfied, from the account given, that the shots were fired for the purpose of stopping Rowe when he was running away.
I beg to give notice that I will, raise this question on the adjournment. I am not satisfied with the Minister's replies.