asked the Minister for Justice whether he is aware that on the evening of the 31st May, 50 men paraded at Woodhouse, Ballinamult, County Waterford, and carried out a practice with one or more machine-guns; if he will state whether these arms were lawfully held by those carrying out this practice; and if they were State property and loaned for the purpose by the State.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Waterford Parade.
The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The other parts do not, therefore, arise.
Will the Minister say how it is possible for the police to shut their eyes to occurrences like this, the facts of which are known to nearly the whole countryside? Will the Minister say whether persons who do not get into Party uniforms may have particular permission to go and parade through the country and to carry out practices in machine-gun fire?
Dr. Ryan
The Minister is not aware that any such thing took place.
Is not the position, apparently, this, that the police do not want to be aware of these happenings?
Dr. Ryan
I do not think so.