asked the Minister for Justice whether, as a result of a recent decision involving a five-year-old singer (name supplied), it is now proposed to prosecute in the case of all children under the age prescribed by law who appear on stage or other public places to participate in pantomimes and concepts in Dublin theatres and other similar places of entertainment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Child Entertainers.
45.
As I have previously explained to the House on many occasions, the institution of criminal proceedings is a matter for the Garda Síochána, acting where necessary in consultation with or on the directions of the law officers, and I have no responsibility in the matter.
Might I inquire from the Minister if it is not a fact that when this young boy, Michael P. Landers, commenced making records and appearing at various functions, the show band with which he is associated made representations to the Department of Justice and the Department of Justice informed them that they could find no reason as to why he should be prevented from appearing? Is it not a fact, and do the Minister's records not prove this, that it was as a result of the incident which took place in Westport, County Mayo, on 18th July, and which I raised by way of Parliamentary question on 5th August, that the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána and the Garda Síochána in general have instituted files in practically every Garda station in the country? Does the Minister seriously consider that while we have unsolved murders and there are dangerous criminals at large, a five year old boy should be branded as public enemy No. 1 and a file concerning his activities should be kept in practically every Garda station?
Which side is the Deputy on? I am a bit confused. Is he in favour of the prosecution or is he against the prosecution? I am not quite clear.
(Cavan): He seems to be in favour of consistency.
It is the lack of it that is intriguing me.
The Minister has referred to the fact that this is a matter for the Commissioner of the Garda. Is that not so?
That is correct.
Is the Minister aware that the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána addressed a communication to the superintendent in Castlebar as follows:
I note from the file of Mr. Kevin Farrell——
Quotations are not allowed.
——that the show band in question has a five year old singer boy. Do you think that we have a case for prosecution here?
Is it desirable that the Commissioner of the Garda should devote all his energies to a five year old boy while there are unsolved murders and there are dangerous criminals at large? Should the time of the Garda Síochána be taken up following a five year old boy singing around the country? Is this desirable and may I ask what is the reason for it?
The Deputy may take it that the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána is not devoting all his time to the question as to whether or not a five year old boy should be prosecuted.
May I ask——
We cannot discuss this question all evening.
I want to elicit information.
The Deputy is furnishing a great deal of information, some of which he may not intend to furnish at all.
In view of the fact that the Westport incident has been responsible for arousing the enthusiasm of the Garda throughout the Twenty-Six Counties in regard to this five year old boy, may I ask why? Surely there are occasions when the Minister for Justice inquires into the reason for the need for such serious Garda action?
The answer to the first part of the Deputy's question is "No" and, therefore, the other part of his question does not arise.
I wish to give notice of my intention to raise this matter on the Adjournment. This boy has been victimised.
The Chair will communicate with the Deputy.