asked the Minister for Justice the number of occasions in the last twelve months that members of the Garda Síochána in County Galway entered dwelling-houses or outhouses, in plain clothes or wearing disguise, in their search for poteen; what was their authority for entering, either by statute or regulation; and what were the results.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Poteen Searches.
51.
One search of a dwellinghouse and one search of an outhouse were made by members of the Garda Síochána in plain clothes during the past twelve months in connection with the suppression of illicit distillation. The search of the dwellinghouse resulted in the seizure of a worm. The search of the outhouse proved negative.
The search of the dwellinghouse was carried out under warrant. A warrant was not required for the search of the outhouse. The authority for the searches is based on a series of statutory provisions, the latest of which is Section 22 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1960.
Surely the Minister is not suggesting that there was only one raid in County Galway in the past year? Further, will the Minister see that there are fewer of these commando-type tactics in the Garda approach in ransacking homes of people?
I am satisfied that in this, as in all other matters, the Gardaí carry out their duties in a proper fashion. Is the Deputy now purporting to act as representative of the poteen makers?
Did the Minister not say that this was a harmful practice and is he now doing a somersault from his previous statement?
I should like to inform the representative of the poteen-makers that I was misquoted on that occasion.