asked the Minister for Justice whether a petition concerning the transfer of Gardaí has been received by him from the people of the Carrigart Garda district; and, if so, if he will state (a) the date of receipt of this petition; (b) the date of acknowledgment of the petition, and (c) the nature of such acknowledgment.
Questions— Oral Answers. - Gardaí Transfers.
Mr. Blaney
I received the petition referred to on Friday, 16th June, and its receipt was acknowledged by my private secretary on Tuesday, 20th June. For the Deputy's information I would like to point out that I have no function in regard to transfers of the members of the Garda which under the Garda Síochána Acts and Regulations are the responsibility of the Commissioner.
Mr. Blaney
If it so happened that an injustice was being done in the transfer of the Garda or of any member of the Garda Síochána, would the Minister then have responsibility?
No.
The Minister, by law, has no responsibility.
May I point out, for the information of the Deputy, that under the disciplinary regulations it is an offence against discipline for any member of the force to communicate either directly or indirectly through some other person with any public body, Department, or official with the object of influencing or of modifying a decision regarding punishment, promotion or transfer of himself or any other member of the force. I am going to insist that that is going to be the case in the future.
They are all human beings.
The Minister is not responsible. Question No. 14.
Mr. Blaney
I desire to point out to the Minister that no Garda in this particular case made any reference to anybody. This is a matter which was taken up by the people of the district and the Minister should bear that in mind.
The Minister bears in mind that the form of the petition has very much the cut of the Civic Guard about it.
Mr. Blaney
That is untrue.
I want to insist that it has all the appearance of it.
That is not fair.
Mr. Blaney
Appearances do not count very often, I think.
Did the Deputy see the petition?
Mr. Blaney
Yes.
Did you instigate it?
Mr. Blaney
I did not instigate it.
Question No. 14.