asked the Minister for Justice whether he intends to ask the Oireachtas to set up a Select Committee to inquire into the allegation, publicly made, that a Superintendent of the Gárda Síochána was transferred as a result of political influence.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Transfer of Gárda Superintendent.
Mr. Boland
I presume that the Deputy is referring to the allegation recently made in rather vague terms, at Balbriggan Court, by a former member of this House.
I have already publicly denied the allegation. I am assured by the Commissioner of the Gárda Síochána, who ordered the transfer, that he was not influenced by any political consideration and that, in fact, no such consideration was suggested to him from any quarter. I have also seen the relevant papers, which make it clear that the transfer was ordered for proper and adequate reasons. In these circumstances, I see no necessity or justification for any inquiry.
Knowing the Commissioner, as we all do know him, I do not think many Deputies of this House would credit the suggestion that he could be influenced by any political pressure in his treatment of subordinate officers. It is one thing for those of us who are in close contact with these matters to be quite satisfied in that regard, but is the Minister sure that allegations of that kind can be effectively rebutted without an inquiry and a demonstration to the public that the Commissioner of the Gárda Síochána is susceptible to no such pressure from any source whatever?
Mr. Boland
I think that if I make a definite statement here that no such considerations entered into the transfer of this officer, it ought to be accepted. I can assure the Deputy and the House that there are no grounds whatever for the allegations made. The allegation, I may remark, was not made quite as definitely as it appears in the Deputy's question. It was made in rather vaguer terms. The allegation was that the transfer was not "unconnected with interference with the Gardaí by politicians." I do not know what is meant by that.
Well, the Minister knows.
Mr. Boland
I took the same meaning from it as Deputy Dillon. I say there are no grounds whatever for it, and I do not think it ought to be necessary to hold an inquiry to rebut a statement like that. If I am prepared to stand here and say that — the Commissioner knows that what I am saying is true — I do not see why any further denial should be necessary.
I want to make it clear that, so far as I am concerned personally, I am perfectly satisfied that the Commissioner of the Gárda Síochána is susceptible to no such representations. My only anxiety is to carry that conviction to every section of the community and to satisfy them of it. The Minister has in mind the incident——
The Deputy may not make a speech.
Having in mind the incident that took place in Balbriggan, is the Minister satisfied that that conviction can be carried to the public mind by a plain statement made in this House? If he is, I am content.
Mr. Boland
I hope that the statement I have made will get due publicity, and if it does I think that will be sufficient.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, would he think it desirable — I will leave the judgment to himself — to indicate the reasons for the transfer in that case?
Mr. Boland
I would not, because in the first place it is not a matter for the Minister. It is a disciplinary matter— a matter for the Commissioner. I will say this much, that if Deputy Dillon or the leader of the Opposition wishes to nominate any Deputy I will satisfy him that there were grounds for the transfer.
That is perfectly fair.