Vol. 193 No. 6
asked the Minister for Justice whether his attention had been drawn to reports appearing in the press that members of the Garda Síochána were investigating the organisation of the National Farmers' Association, and taking the names of officers and members of that organisation; whether such activity on the part of the Garda Síochána is in fact taking place; and, if so, what are the reasons for such a procedure.
114.
andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Justice whether, as reported, police have raided the homes of members of the N.F.A. to find out the names of the officers and members of the Association.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions 113 and 114 together.
I have seen no press report suggesting that there has been anything that could be described as a "raid" on the homes of members of the National Farmers' Association and nothing of that kind has taken place.
I understand that, in one area, officers of the Association were asked by the Garda Síochána about the local membership and that that information was unhesitatingly given. Apart from that, members of the Gardaí have been present at meetings recently held under the auspices of the Association, but that is a normal and indeed routine duty of the Garda Síochána wherever a public meeting of any kind is being held.
As members of the House are aware, a number of meetings have been held under NFA auspices in various parts of the country in recent weeks. As I need hardly say, the Association is perfectly entitled to hold these meetings and their right to hold them, without interference by the Garda Síochána, has not been and will not be questioned, subject to the usual requirements about the maintenance of law and order.
Unfortunately, however, some members of the Association have, in connection with these meetings permitted themselves to make threats that resort would be had to illegal actions, including violence if necessary, if the objectives of the Association are not secured. According to press reports these threats were made on more than one occasion and by more than one person, and, moreover, by persons holding office in the Association. I must mention, in particular, a reported threat against members of the County Council—the elected representatives of the people—if they did not act as the Association wished.
Against this background, there should be no surprise if the Garda Síochána displayed an interest in what was said at some subsequent meetings of this kind. Threats of violence or any incitement to violence could not possibly be tolerated as a means of securing the objectives of any organisation. That would be the road to anarchy and a Government that would permit it would be failing in their first duty to the community.
I am glad to say, however, that since these threats were made, the leaders of the Association have left no room for doubt that the Association emphatically repudiates all such threats by their members. I accept without hesitation that this repudiation is genuine and reflects the Association's considered policy. This being so, there should be no further difficulties and the excellent relations which have in the past obtained at all levels between the NFA and the Garda Síochána can continue unimpaired. For my part, I am glad to have had this opportunity of explaining that any special inquiries made by the Gardaí were made in the particular circumstances that I have outlined and that there has been no intention or wish to interfere with the lawful activities of the Association or any of its branches.
Can the Minister say if there was any need for the Garda to go openly, in uniform, through the members at a protest meeting recently, creating a certain amount of intimidation?
The Deputy should see the way they patrol up and down if there is a legitimate strike on. So long as they are not called "pinks", they should be satisfied.
I am speaking of a protest meeting carried out in an orderly manner. The Garda went through it openly, taking the names of certain members and seeking information about other members in broad daylight. That created an impression of intimidation. Does the Minister stand behind that?
Speech!
On any occasion on which people gather in large numbers in public, it is the duty, and the long-standing practice of the Garda Síochána to be present, first of all, to ensure that parking regulations are not broken——
I am not talking about their being present, but about taking names openly.
——and secondly, to be on the alert for any possibility of a disturbance or a breach of the peace. We all know that at political meetings the Garda are present. Anywhere there are large crowds and, indeed, as Deputy Corish pointed out, at pickets, it is the duty of the Garda to be present and alert for any possible breach of the peace.
Not to intimidate people.
They do not take names at political meetings.
Would the Minister say what branches or branch of the NFA were involved in these special inquiries.
So far as I know, on one occasion only were the names of the members of the association asked for.
Where?
On one occasion only.
Where?
In County Mayo.
If the Minister thinks he is going to get away with blackguardism of that kind against a perfectly peaceful and responsible organisation, he has another guess coming to him.
I want to make it perfectly clear that members of this organisation, possibly irresponsible members, admittedly, did make wild and irresponsible statements——
They did no such thing.
——and did threaten public servants in the execution of their public duty. No member of this House, I am quite certain, will stand for that.
Might I ask the Minister if he can quote some of the alleged threats? Has the Minister on record any of the alleged threats he says were made by the N.F.A.?
I have full reports.
Can the Minister give them to the House?
I wonder were the Garda so busy when there was an alleged threat to wade through Irish blood to freedom?
