(An Clár) asked the Minister for Justice if allegations of an assault by members of the Detective Division of the Gárda Síochána on Matthew Mescall, Jr., Derrynalicka, Kilmurry McMahon, Co. Clare, on the 13th November, have reached his Department, if a copy of an affidavit made by Mr. Mescall, together with a copy of a medical certificate has been forwarded to him, and if he proposes to make any investigation on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Alleged Assault by Garda.
Pádraig O hOgáin
I have received from Deputy de Valera's secretary what purports to be a copy of an affidavit made by Matthew Mescall, Junior, of Crossmore, Kilmihill, County Clare, who presumably is identical with the man alluded to in the question. I have received no copy of any medical certificate. Matthew Mescall, Junior, of Crossmore, Kilmihill, was asked by the local superintendent to make a statement of the complaint he wished to make against the Gárda Síochána and he refused to do so. I do not propose to take any further steps in the matter.
Mr. Hogan
In view of the affidavit and the medical certificate, which are available, will the Minister, in the interests of the person who was alleged to be beaten, and also in the interests of the Gárda Síochána, not investigate the matter?
I have already informed the Deputy that I have seen no medical certificate. Apart from that, here is a man who makes charges; the Gárda ask him what charges he is making, and he declines to give an answer. That person is thoroughly unreliable.
Mr. Hogan
Will the Minister state why he did not send somebody not connected with this—why he did not send somebody from headquarters, or will he be prepared to examine the certificate which I have?
The investigation was carried out by the proper Superintendent of the Gárda Síochána, who went to ask what statement this man wished to make, and the man declined to make any.