asked the Minister for Justice if he has any observations to make on the bombing of the Church of Ireland Rectory at Tamney, Fanad, County Donegal; and if he has received a report on the matter from the Garda Commissioner.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bombing of Church of Ireland Rectory.
47.
I do not know precisely what the Deputy means by "observations" but I do not accept that, at this stage of our development, there is a need for me, as Minister for Justice, to make some kind of formal condemnation of what everybody knows would stand condemned not only by all parties in this House but by practically every citizen of the State.
Can the Minister say if a prosecution is intended in that case?
We discussed this case, among others, last night on the Adjournment Debate and my recollection with regard to this case is that it was suggested some people in the locality knew who perpetrated the particular offence. I said I was very glad to hear that and hoped, accordingly, they would go to the gardaí and make statements so that the gardaí could immediately prosecute on the basis of those statements. As far as I know, up to a few days ago there was not a prosecution and the reason there was not a prosecution is that the gardaí had insufficient evidence to prosecute anybody. If the local people who, no doubt, would be able to help the gardaí are prepared to do so, the gardaí would prosecute at once.
May I ask the Minister—I am willing to withdraw any imputation that may be contained in the comment I am about to make—if he would not consider it strange that a well-known member of his party——
If the Deputy intends withdrawing the imputation, surely it would be better not to make the comment at all?
I shall make a statement but I am willing to stand corrected. May I put it to the Minister that a very well-known Member of this House and of his own party——
Is the Deputy asking a question?
Would the Minister not consider it strange that a well-known member of his own party, born and reared in that parish, has been——
Since the Deputy admitted in advance that his comment would contain imputations, would it not be best that he refrained from making the comment?
I ask the Minister if he would agree with me that this person has been conspicuously silent in repudiating those who perpetrated this outrage? If I am wrong, I shall withdraw the comment I have made.
I have already said what I have to say about the crime. Is one expected to go out and deplore formally every crime that is committed in this country?
May I put it to the Minister that it appears unique and, indeed, strange and is it not to be deplored that a Deputy of this House——
The Deputy is making a statement.
——who was born and reared in the parish concerned, has remained totally silent in repudiating those who perpetrated this particular bombing? I refer to Deputy Neil Blaney.
The Minister would have no responsibility in this matter.
That is news. We did not know to whom the Deputy was referring.
The Minister has been silent on his activities.