asked the Minister for Justice whether his attention has been drawn to reports of remarks made by the President of the Circuit Court in the course of a trial in Limerick on 24th April to the effect that the public might well think that there was connivance between the police in England and Ireland resulting in a long delay in the execution of the warrant of arrest for the accused who had formerly been a member of the Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Comments of Circuit Court President.
48.
I have seen the reports referred to.
The Garda assure me that there is no justification whatever for any such conclusion. As explained by the superintendent in court, the simple fact was that the accused's whereabouts were unknown for over two years and the warrant was sent to England for execution immediately they became known.
I regret that the remarks of the President of the Circuit Court as reported, should have been interpreted as casting an unwarranted slur on the Garda and on the English police.
Arising out of the Minister's reply to Question No. 48, will the Minister now say where is Mr. Flood in jail, or have we now reached the stage at which people are to be imprisoned in this Republic and that the people are not to be told where they are being kept in custody?
Surely a simple question of charity addressed to the Minister for Justice should be answered? Surely the Minister has enough charity in his heart to answer this? This is a disgraceful situation.
(Interruptions.)
Question No. 49 postponed.