asked the Minister for Justice if he will state whether he is aware that when charging a number of persons in the District Court at Carrick-on-Shannon on Saturday, the 19th May, with offences committed on the night of the 28th-29th April, when during disturbances in the town of Mohill an attempt was made forcibly to take possession of the Gárda Síochána barracks, a shot was fired and a platform intended for use at a public meeting of the Fine Gael Party was maliciously burned, the State Solicitor withdrew a charge against the defendants of conspiracy, and of aiding and abetting one of their number to have in his possession a revolver; and a charge against this latter defendant of having in his possession a revolver with intent to endanger life upon the defendants agreeing to be tried by the District Justice; and if he will state what was the reason for desiring this case to be tried by the District Justice; on whose authority were these charges withdrawn, and what were the reasons for their withdrawal.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Withdrawal of Charges at Mohill Court.
I understand that appeals from the decision of the District Justice are in contemplation in this case. In these circumstances, and apart from other considerations, I do not propose to make any statement on the subject.
Is the Minister not prepared to say why pressure was brought to bear on the defendants to submit to judgment by the District Court in these particular cases and why, with such serious charges made against them, some of the most serious parts of these charges were withdrawn in order that they might consent to be dealt with by the District Court?
I am not prepared to make any statement where there are appeals pending.
Will the Minister be prepared to make statements on the points raised in the question when the appeals are over?
Yes.