asked the Minister for Justice if he will state under what authority motor car ZD 9591, the property of the State, was used to convey voters to the poll on Thursday, 26th June, 1952, in County Mayo.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Use of State Cars.
asked the Minister for Justice if he will state under what authority motor cars Nos. ZD 9591 and ZH 2319, the property of the State, were plastered with Fianna Fáil Party labels and posters while being driven in County Mayo during the recent by-election.
Mr. Boland
With the leave of the Ceann Comhairle I propose to take Questions Nos. 27 and 28 together.
The cars specified were supplied for the use, on different occasions, of one of the Parliamentary Secretaries and were used for his conveyance during the Mayo by-election.
I am informed that neither car was used to convey voters to the poll and that when the Parliamentary Secretary observed that Party labels had been affixed to his car he had them removed.
Will the Minister tell us for how long the Party labels and posters were on the car before the Parliamentary Secretary observed them?
Mr. Boland
My information is that as soon as he observed that Party labels had been affixed to his car, he had them removed.
Will the Minister tell the House how long they were on the car before they were observed by the Parliamentary Secretary?
Mr. Boland
I have given the Deputy the information which I have got. Perhaps the Deputy's informer can tell him.
I can tell the Minister how long they were on the car.
Mr. Boland
Why ask me the question, then?
They were on for days. Further, car ZD 9591 did drive Fianna Fáil voters to the poll in the Belmullet area.
Mr. Boland
Why did the Deputy ask me the question, then?
Because I thought I should get a truthful reply.
Was it the fairies who put the posters on the cars—Fianna Fáil fairies? Na daoine maithe Fhianna Fáil.
Give us the particulars of what the Fine Gael Party did in the course of the Donegal by-election?
With no posters.
Will the Minister state whether the information on which his reply is based was supplied to him through the Gardaí?
Mr. Boland
I inquired through the Gardaí in the area and I got the information.
Will the Minister supply the report of the Gardaí?
Mr. Boland
I will do no such thing.