Deputy Cogan has given notice that he desires to make a personal explanation.
Deputy's Personal Explanation.
I have given notice to the Chair that I would raise a matter, by way of personal explanation, which arose on the 1st May last. At column 895 of the Dáil Debates for that date, Deputy Everett said:
"What were you put out of the Guards for?"
Deputy Oliver Flanagan repeated that statement, and, at the request of the Leas-Cheann Comhairle, he withdrew his statement. I then said:
"I should like to point out that Deputy Everett made the same statement.
Mr. Everett: I asked were you put out of the Guards.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle: The Chair did not hear the remark made by Deputy Everett."
Now, in view of Deputy Everett's status as an ex-Minister, some credence might attach to this statement that I was put out of the Guards. I therefore propose to produce documentary evidence to disprove absolutely and completely that statement. I communicated with the Headquarters of the Garda Síochána, and I received the following reply dated the 6th May:—
"Dear Sir,
I am to refer to your communication of the 6th May, 1952, in which you request to be furnished with a record relating to your discharge from the Garda Síochána.
Records at Headquarters show that you were discharged the force on voluntary resignation on 4th February, 1927. You were issued with a certificate of discharge (number 771) in which your conduct during your service was described as ‘Very Good'."
That letter is signed by "Pádraig Ó Cearbhaill, assistant commissioner." In view of the fact that it is a week since that statement was made, I am not asking for a withdrawal or an apology.
You are merely making a personal explanation and that closes the incident.
I want to see that the matter is corrected.
You will be put out of Wicklow next.