asked the Minister for Justice whether a member of the South Tipperary County Council has complained in informations lodged with the local Gardaí that on Tuesday, 7th June, he was forcibly and unlawfully detained and removed from the County Council area and was prevented thereby from attending a meeting of the County Council to the prejudice of important decisions to be taken at that meeting; what investigation into the matter has taken place and the results of such investigation; and whether he has reported the matter to the Minister for Local Government.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Alleged Detention of South Tipperary Councillor.
6.
I have been informed by the Commissioner Garda Síochána that a complaint has been received by the local Gardaí and is being investigated. When the Gardaí are in a position to do so, no doubt they will submit a report for the information of the Minister for Local Government.
Will the Minister say if he has communicated to the Minister for Local Government whether he has received that information, in view of the fact that a question arises as to the validity of the proceedings on that day?
I presume that when the report comes in, it will be immediately submitted to the Minister for Local Government. I have not personally communicated anything to the Minister for Local Government.
Would the Minister take steps to see that as much detail as possible will be received by him forthwith with a view to conveying the details to the Minister for Local Government in view of the responsibility that rests on him in the matter in relation to the validity of the proceedings?
No doubt that will be carried out expeditiously.
Is the Minister aware that this is a Fine Gael trick with a view to getting votes at the local elections, that the gentleman concerned refused to vote for the Fine Gael nominee as chairman at the last election and that they would not sanction him——
(Interruptions).
Will the Minister say whether it is appropriate that any statement should be made here that would tend to interfere with the investigation of this matter and particularly any matter that may arise in the courts in relation to what that investigation will disclose?
What action would the Minister propose if it transpired that this man kidnapped himself?
It should be in the hands of the Appointments Commission. There is always trickery in connection with these appointments and behind-the-scenes meetings take place.
Sometimes kidnappers are brought from Cork. It would be interesting to know who brought them.