asked the Minister for Justice if he will state whether he is aware that a party of five detectives searched a flat at 46 Lower Baggot Street, the residence of Mr. Louis Jenkins, at 1 a.m. on Thursday, the 14th June, and if he will state what were the reasons for this search; whether any articles were found to have been unlawfully held at these premises; whether, and, if so, what articles were removed therefrom; whether Mr. Jenkins has been charged with any offence, and, if so, what is the charge; and if he will state by whom and for what reason the hour of 1 a.m. was selected as the time of search.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Search of a Dublin Flat.
The information which I have obtained from the police regarding this matter is of such a character that I do not think it would be fair to the person mentioned in the question to make a public statement in the Dáil. Perhaps the Deputy would consider postponing the question, and in the meantime ascertain whether the person concerned has any objection to the full facts being disclosed.
Will the Minister say if members of the public are liable to search at one o'clock in the morning on allegations that they hold arms or seditious documents?
If the Deputy will repeat the question after considering and perhaps making fuller inquiries on the matter——
I have fully considered the matter, and I will ask the Minister to allow me to pursue my supplementary questions. I asked the Minister are members of the public liable to search, at, say, one o'clock in the morning, in respect of arms or documents alleged to be held by them?
It is not the normal procedure.
In view of that, will the Minister say if there are particular classes of offences which render people liable to nocturnal raids?
It depends on the circumstances.
In view of the fact that there has been a Press statement that Mr. Jenkins belongs to the League of Youth, will the Minister say that he has not the slightest scrap of evidence that Mr. Jenkins has any connection with the League of Youth?
I am not responsible for what the Press states.