asked the Minister for Justice whether his attention was directed to the statement of a county council elector under the Seanad Electoral (Panel Members) Act at a meeting of the Association of Municipal Authorities of Ireland in Galway, that he had been offered a bribe in connection with the last Seanad election; and, if so, whether, in view of the statement of the Taoiseach in the Dáil on October 26th, he invited the Attorney-General to investigate this allegation of corrupt practices in connection with the election; and if he will state what is the result of the investigation, and what further action he proposes to take in connection with the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Last Seanad Election.
The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The elector referred to was invited to give the information necessary for further action, but he declined to do so, saying that the words of which he complained were used by a close personal friend, whose name he would not disclose, in the course of a jocular conversation.
Am I to take it, therefore, that, although the person does not dispute that corruption did take place, there is to be no amendment of the Act which permits such corruption?
There is no evidence in this case.
But there is corruption except that there is no evidence.
We know nothing about it. We would be glad if the Deputy would give us some information about that.