asked the Minister for Justice if he will state the reasons why a large force of detectives, in a State car, accompany Clann na Talmhan Deputies to and from public meetings in County Mayo.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Precautions in County Mayo.
asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that a large force of Gardaí and detectives are stationed at present at Balla, County Mayo; and if he will indicate for what length of time these men will be stationed there.
I propose to take questions Nos. 18 and 19 together.
The strengthening of the Garda station party at Balla, County Mayo, and the attendance of members of the Garda at meetings in the area are intended to prevent breaches of the peace in connection with an agrarian dispute, in the course of which a house was burned and threatening notices were published. These arrangements will be continued as long as the Garda authorities consider them necessary.
They were in Laoighis-Offaly long enough.
Do I understand the Minister to say that he has definite information that a house was maliciously burned?
Mr. Boland
The information is that during the course of this agrarian dispute a house has been burned and threatening notices have been published in the area.
Is the Minister aware that before this agrarian dispute started this house was burned? He has no knowledge at all that the house was burned, due to an agrarian dispute, and is already prejudging the decision of the court.
Mr. Boland
I am not prejudging anything. I am merely stating the facts, that a house has been burned in the area and that threatening notices have been published.
Is the Minister indicating now, before a decision of the court has been reached, that this house was maliciously damaged or burned, and does he say that is why the police are patrolling the different meetings?
Will the Minister say why people are being brought to the barracks at Balla and interrogated by the Gardaí?
That is a separate question.
Very good, I will put one down.