andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Justice how many persons were charged in connection with the incidents arising from the protest march on the American Embassy on 23rd October; what was the nature of the charge in each case; and what penalties were imposed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Protest March Incidents.
170.
Nobody has, so far, been charged with an offence in connection with the incidents in question but I have learnt that the directions of the Chief State Solicitor are being sought by the police as to whether proceedings should be instituted against a number of persons.
171.
andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Justice the number of occasions that police dogs have been utilised by the Garda Síochána in connection with protest marches; and the relevant dates of each.
The answer to the first part of the Question is one and the answer to the second part is 23rd October, 1962.
For the last time.
May we ask the Minister, in view of the undertaking he has given here, to give an assurance that it is not the policy of the Government to allow dogs, Alsatians or otherwise, in the hands of the police, to be used against peaceful, orderly citizens under any circumstances?
I do not think such assurance is really required. If it is, I can say categorically that no dogs have ever been used for any such purpose.
Do I take it that the Minister disapproves of the method or manner in which the dogs were used?
That is the technique.
I said nothing of the sort.
I want to find out whether the Leader of the Opposition approves of the use of the dog on that occasion.
I approve of the Minister's undertaking in the terms in which he has given it.