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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 1 Mar 1944

Vol. 92 No. 15

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Issue of Police Circular.

asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of a circular sent to all Gárda stations in the Division of Leix-Offaly, by the chief superintendent, requesting that members of the force attend all meetings of a Deputy for the constituency; and if he will state the reasons for the issue of the circular, and whether it was on his instructions that it was so issued.

I am aware that before the Deputy was elected to the Dáil arrangements were made for the Gárda Síochána to pay special attention to meetings addressed by him. These arrangements were made because the Deputy was in the habit of making inflammatory speeches at that time.

I was not consulted in regard to the arrangements which were made by the Gárda Síochána in the ordinary course of their duty, but I think it right to say that if I had been consulted I would have approved, even if the Deputy had been a member of the House at the time.

Might I ask the Minister if it was on his instructions or not that this circular was sent to the Gárda Síochána stations in my constituency?

Mr. Boland

I have answered that question.

Then it was on your instructions?

Mr. Boland

I have answered that question. I was not consulted in regard to the arrangements made.

Then you know nothing about it?

Mr. Boland

I am repeating that, if I were asked, I would have approved.

Will the Minister say if that instruction has been withdrawn and, if so, why?

Mr. Boland

As far as I understand, it has not been withdrawn.

Is it not a most unusual practice for a Deputy not to be allowed to express his views? The Minister has been preaching that this is a country where freedom of speech is assured.

There is not freedom of speech at question time.

I would like to know why I have not freedom of speech the same as any other Deputy. Sir John Keane is allowed it.

Sir John Keane is not a member of this House.

It is the bankers who have forced the Minister to take up the attitude he has taken.

The Deputy is endeavouring to make a speech.

I am asking the Minister to deny that.

Mr. Boland

I will answer that. I would like to give one sample of the kind of speech the Deputy was making, which might convince him and, if not, which will convince every other Deputy in the House. At Mountrath, on the 8th December, 1942,——

I told the people not to pay the Barrow drainage rate. I will tell them here not to pay the Barrow drainage rate.

The Deputy must observe the rules of order.

Mr. Boland

Am I in order?

Mr. Boland

I think I have to justify the action taken. At Mountrath on 8th December, 1942, portion of a speech made by the Deputy——

I was not a T.D. then.

A Deputy

Shut up!

I will not shut up for you, you Dublin "Jackeen".

Mr. Boland

This is part of the speech:—

"Meet the Guards and the bailiffs with iron prongs and if you do that you will not see a bailiff again."

I endorse that.

Mr. Boland

"There were men arrested——"

Why was not Deputy Dillon arrested for the speeches he made here?

The Deputy must learn to conduct himself.

There is the right of free speech in this country.

Mr. Boland

"There were men arrested for robbery and robbing banks, and I hope I am saying nothing against the law of the State in saying that, if I was in power, I would give every man who robbed a bank a medal and a pension. He has as good a right to the money as anyone else."

If I make an open speech to-day that the banks are robbing the country, will the Minister for Justice have me on the Curragh?

The Deputy must resume his seat.

I cannot see why——

The Deputy, having flouted the authority of the Chair, will have to retire from the House for the remainder of this session.

I want to put before the House——

The Deputy must withdraw.

I wish to make a statement on the point I raised regarding the banks.

The Deputy must leave the House.

What are you saying, Sir?

The Deputy will withdraw at once for the remainder of this day's session.

I will have to go?

Yes.

The Deputy withdrew.

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