asked the Minister for Justice whether supplies prohibited for export were removed by Gardaí from the "Gracie Blue" at Castletownberehaven; and what steps were taken to make the person or persons responsible for this attempted illegal export amenable to the law.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - The “Gracie Blue”
Mr. Boland
No supplies were removed by the Gardaí from the yacht "Gracie Blue", but customs officials, on the morning of the 28th October, 1947, removed certain ship's stores which they considered were in excess of reasonable requirements. Two members of the Gardaí were present at the request of the customs officials. The yacht left about 3 p.m. on that date.
The matter raised in the second part of the question is also one for the Revenue Commissioners. I understand, however, that customs officials have discretion either to arrest immediately or to report the matter to the commissioners for instructions in regard to proceedings by way of summons. The power of arrest is not exercised except in very serious cases.
Is the Minister satisfied that in this case no serious misdemeanour was committed and that the exercise of the discretion which resulted in the departure was prudent?
Mr. Boland
There is another matter in respect of which a warrant was issued. A further question which will explain that appears on the Order Paper.
There were a few rubber cheques?
Mr. Boland
Something like that.