asked the Minister for Justice whether he is aware that the new Superintendent of the Gárda in Drogheda was subjected to a hostile demonstration following his arrival there as a result, it is stated, of the methods he used when ordering unoffending people to keep continually on the move on the nights of 22nd, 23rd, and 24th November, and also whether he has received a report on the matter.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Drogheda Street Demonstration.
The answer to both parts of the question is in the affirmative.
Is the Minister satisfied that these steps were necessary to keep these people continually on the move?
I think some steps were necessary. It appears that the Drogheda people are inclined to stand too much on the footpaths which are narrow, with the result that the ordinary passer-by has to walk on the street; also recently the habit of squib-throwing has grown up in Drogheda. Possibly, however, the Superintendent, in bringing in reforms, may have brought in these reforms a little too quickly.
Would the Minister say in what other town are the people forced to move on in the manner he made these people move on?
I do not think it was a question of forcing people to move on. It was rather to prevent the footpaths from being blocked.
I hope the Minister heard all the answers to the questions about the Land Commission. If he did, would he consider putting a Superintendent in charge of the Land Commission and making them move on?
I would suggest putting one in charge of the Fianna Fáil Party and making them move on.
Put one in charge of the Government Party and make them move out.