asked the Minister for Justice if he will state the reasons for the dismissal of Sergeant Francis Prunty from the Gárda Síochána on 18th August, 1941; if he will state whether an inquiry was held to investigate on oath into the truth of the allegations made against him; and, if so, whether a report was made to him in this case; if he will state the time at which, and the place in which Sergeant Prunty gave evidence in his own defence, and if the Minister has had representations made to him by prominent people in Kilfenora district to the effect that Sergeant Prunty is innocent of any offence, and that he has been harshly treated, and if he will now direct that a sworn inquiry be held to investigate the allegations made against Sergeant Prunty.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dismissal of Gárda Sergeant.
Sergeant Prunty was dismissed by the Commissioner, with my consent, under Article 24 of the Gárda Síochána (Discipline) Regulations, 1926, which provides that the Commissioner shall have power, without having recourse to disciplinary proceedings or investigation, to dismiss from the force any member (not being an officer) whom he considers unfit for retention in the force.
There were at the time a number of serious charges pending against the sergeant and a sworn inquiry had been ordered, at which he would have been entitled to answer the charges. The sergeant did not avail of the opportunity of making his defence. Instead he sought to obstruct the progress of the sworn inquiry by having objections raised as to its validity. Previously he had delayed investigation into his case by waiting for an unreasonable time before pleading to the charges preferred against him.
Before giving my consent to his dismissal, I read all the relevant papers with great care and I was, and am, satisfied that the Commissioner was right in his view that the sergeant could not be permitted to remain in the force. Nothing in any representations which have been made to me has altered my opinion in that respect and I do not propose to reopen the matter.