asked the Minister for Justice if he will state the reason for the police raids this morning on the houses occupied by General O'Duffy, Mr. Ernest Blythe, and on the United Ireland Offices, at 23, St. Stephen's Green.
Private Notice Question. - Dublin Police Raids.
The police raids were carried out this morning on the houses occupied by General O'Duffy and Mr. Ernest Blythe, and on offices situated at 23, St. Stephen's Green, because the police authorities were of opinion that there was reasonable ground for suspecting that there were on the said premises treasonable or seditious documents and firearms and ammunition.
Will the Minister say if these searches were made under warrants?
These searches were carried out according to law.
Were they made after search warrants had been obtained?
This question was raised by way of private notice. I have not got sufficient notice of the question.
But surely the Minister must have asked that elementary question when he got into communication with the police?
The Minister got the information within 20 minutes of the raids taking place. That was quick enough.
Has the Minister received any report from the police authorities in Cork in relation to a raid that took place——
That is a separate question and it cannot be raised now.
Was the information conveyed verbally or by letter regarding the treasonable documents or arms —was it conveyed verbally or in writing?
I am not in a position to answer that question.
Have any instructions been issued to the police as to what is treasonable matter?
The Deputy has a pretty shrewd idea as to what is treasonable matter.
May I ask if the Minister has been in communication with the Guards, and if he has ascertained whether they obtained search warrants? May I ask further if it was under his instructions that these raids were carried out?
Will the Minister answer those questions on the adjournment?
That is a different question also.
The Minister is stricken with dumbness.
Somebody else is too, as a result of the raids.