asked the Minister for Justice what is the result of Garda investigations into irregularities at the polling station situated at Woods House, townland of Cattan, County Leitrim, during the 1967 local elections.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Leitrim Polling Station Investigation.
32.
The Garda investigations went to show that votes were irregularly cast in five cases; they reported, however, that they could find no evidence as to how, when or by whom the offences were committed.
I can tell the Minister by whom the offences were committed and the Gardaí could tell him by whom they were committed. They were committed by the presiding officer and the poll clerk. They were investigated by the Gardaí and nothing was done about it. I am quite satisfied the Department of Justice put its foot down. This whole thing was aided and abetted by a Fianna Fáil county councillor who will be charged with aiding and abetting.
I deplore wild charges being made within the privileged walls of this House against people who cannot defend themselves. Let the Deputy make these charges outside, if he believes in them. I want to assure the House that what he said is utterly untrue. The Garda investigated these complaints fully and the reply I have given to the House is the report the Garda gave to the Attorney General. They could get no evidence to bring those responsible for the five personations to justice.
There were actually six personations.
The Deputy must put a question.
Is the Minister aware there were six personations committed in that particular polling booth?
I am aware that the Deputy made allegations that there were, I think, nine personations. The Garda, having investigated the matter, said there were five.
In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Minister's reply, I want to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Adjournment.
(Cavan): Is it not a fact that the alleged personations took place in a small country booth with a very limited number of people on the register? Is the Minister serious when he says it has been impossible to find out in that local area who committed these personations?
If there was personation, then obviously it took place in the booth. I accept that. The number of persons on the register is approximately 130 to 150. I am telling the House the Garda investigated the matter and they found, on the report made by Deputy Reynolds, that some of the people whose votes he alleged were cast had not voted at all. There were three of them. They found there were, in fact, five personations and the Garda were unable to get evidence to bring those responsible for these personations to justice.
(Cavan): Will the Minister place the report of the investigators before the House?
I have given the House the full information.