asked the Minister for Justice if he will give details of ex-Garda Crinnion's career from the time of his entering into the force until his departure from it.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ex-Garda's Career.
81.
(Cavan): I am not prepared to give any details of this man's career as I fail to see what useful purpose would be served by any public statement in relation to him at this stage. He was dismissed from the force without having resumed duty after completion of his sentence.
This seems an extraordinary situation. Is it not in the public interest that we should know more about the career of this man who has been dismissed from the force, whether he was a risk from the beginning and whether he was checked out before being put into the office of the head of the Special Branch? Obviously, much information passed through his hands. Why should the answers to the questions I have asked not be made available to anyone who wishes to have this information? The man concerned was treated very lightly while other people suffered as a result of what happened?
(Cavan): The case in regard to the man in question came before the courts and was dealt with there. The individual had the experience of being subjected to public trial and was sentenced and I do not think it would be reasonable that the matter should be dealt with in full in this House.
This is not an unrelated incident. This man was probably connected right through with all that has happened in the past four years. It is not mere curiosity that prompts us to find out more about this man. It is the concern of some Members of the House that the truth should be ascertained. I was seeking the truth in relation to the first question which is tied up with this question. The Minister and his Government would be helping greatly and would be displaying an honesty that has been absent during the past few years in relation to these matters if they would now come clean and tell the public what they should know about all these matters.
(Cavan): I have nothing to add to the reply I have given already.