asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that Edmond Reilly, of Tipperary, is being continually followed and searched by members of the Detective Division of the Gárda Síochána; that he was arrested in Thurles by members of this force, searched, and, it is alleged, maltreated; and, if so, whether steps will be taken to have the matter investigated and instructions given for these activities to cease.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tipperary Arrest.
I am aware that the man in question is considered to be a person likely to carry concealed firearms, and that he has been stopped and searched for that reason three times within the past three months. On one of these occasions he resisted violently, but no more force was used against him than was necessary to make an effective search. He was not maltreated. My information is that Reilly is engaged in organising unauthorised armed forces in County Tipperary, and so long as he continues in this occupation, it will be the duty of the Gárdaí to keep him under close observation.
Can the Minister give a guarantee that Mr. Reilly is engaged in organising unauthorised armed forces? Is he aware that letters to him have been held up, and that the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs is responsible for holding them up in the post for ten days?
I am not aware of that.
Is the Minister aware that members of the police force went to certain firms in Dublin and prevented him from getting employment? I have it from Mr. Reilly himself that that is being done, that his letters were held up, and also that firms have been warned not to employ him. This man has been persecuted long enough, and the Minister should stop that game, anyhow.