asked the Minister for Justice to state the reasons for the raids, searches, arrests and interrogations, in some cases it is alleged with violence, in respect of the following seventeen persons in the area of West Clare, namely:—Patrick Fennell, Martin Gorman, Michael Fennell, Michael Cahill, John Hassett, Thomas Breen, Matthew Mescall, T.J. Ryan, Thomas O'Grady, Michael Hassett, Jeremiah Madigan, Patrick Burke, Michael Huxley, Michael Clancy, Patrick Halloran, Patrick Cahill, Richard Flanagan; and further, whether the Minister is aware that in certain cases no warrants for search or arrest were produced.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - West Clare Raids and Arrests.
The persons named in the question are known to be engaged in a conspiracy to overthrow the State by arms and it is necessary that the police should keep them under close supervision.
T.J. Ryan is the leader of the Irregular movement in the West Clare area. He was last arrested on 23/12/29 for failing to pay a fine imposed under the Lights on Vehicles Act, which he subsequently paid.
Michael Clancy and Michael Huxley were arrested on 19/12/29 for drunkenness, released when sober and subsequently fined.
Patrick Fennell, Michael Fennell and Patrick Gorman were detained and questioned on 1/3/1930, as it was believed that they could give material evidence regarding an armed attack on the house of Thomas Daly, which took place on 28th February, 1930.
P. Burke was arrested during 1929 for obstructing the Garda in the discharge of their duties. P. Cahill, his workman, was not arrested.
As regards Michael Cahill, John Hassett, Thomas O'Grady, Jeremiah Madigan, these men were interrogated in connection with the murder of D.O. Tadhg O'Sullivan.
Thomas Breen associates with a noted suspect and has been interrogated on a few occasions.
Matthew Mescall and P. Halloran are active members of the Irregular organisation and are subject to supervision. Halloran's house was searched for firearms on one occasion in 1929.
Michael Hassett's house was once searched in 1929 for firearms.
R. Flanagan called voluntarily at the Gárda Station to make enquiries and was then questioned.
In no case was any violence used.
All arrests and searches were carried out under proper legal authority.
Will the Minister say if any of these people are aliens— Huxley, for instance?
I could not answer that question without notice.
If the Minister is of opinion that these people are engaged in an illegal conspiracy, why are they not brought before a court?
Has the Deputy any doubt that they were engaged in an illegal conspiracy?
Answer the question.
Mr. Hogan
The Minister stated that he is of opinion that these people are engaged in an illegal conspiracy. If that is his opinion, why are they not brought before the proper authorities and prosecuted in the proper fashion?
As I am not satisfied with the reply of the Minister, I wish to give notice that I shall raise the question on the adjournment.
Is the Minister not replying to Deputy Hogan's question?
I shall reply now, if the Deputy likes, or on the adjournment.
We shall have it on the adjournment.