asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware (i) that the house of a person (name and address supplied) has been searched so frequently and to no avail in recent times as to amount to harassment and (ii) that the search carried out at 7.30 a.m. on 1st November, 1973 was conducted in a manner unworthy of the Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda House Search.
5.
A search under warrant of the premises referred to in the question was carried out by the Garda on 1st November, 1973. In the preceding 12 months these premises were searched under warrant on three other occasions, two of which yielded quantities of arms, ammunition and explosives.
As regards the search that was made on 1st November, I am informed by the Garda that no complaint has been made to them about the way the search was carried out.
Perhaps the Minister might make inquiries as to whether, in fact, there was a complaint and also as to whether a warrant was displayed, read or produced and whether the door of the house in question was put in before the lady in question, who is the owner of the house, had time to get to it and will he say whether that is regarded as normal, or whether it should be allowed at all?
I can say to the Deputy that no complaint has been received as to the manner in which this search was carried out. A search warrant was in the possession of the Garda and was shown to the occupant of the house. The occupant of the house wanted to take possession of the original of the warrant. This was refused. With regard to the Deputy's suggestion that these searches should not be carried out at all I would point out to him, as I said in my reply, that, on three other occasions within the past 12 months this house was searched under warrant and, on two of those occasions, quantities of arms, ammunition and explosives were found.
Can the Minister say whether any prosecutions followed the finding of these arms and was this house owner charged at any time in court with the possession illegally of arms?
I have no information as to who was charged. I can say that, as a result of searches in the house, in the year ending November, 1972, in the course of which arms and ammunition were found, persons were found and charged and some of them are now serving terms of imprisonment.
May I finally ask the Minister——
This must be the Deputy's final supplementary on the matter.
——whether he will accept my statement here as a complaint on behalf of this constituent of mine about the manner in which this latest search was carried out. Perhaps he will inform the House that a search was carried out the previous Sunday morning in addition to the searches on 28th October and 1st November? Will the Minister investigate what I have said: that the door was put in before it could be opened?
I will not accept the Deputy's complaint in what he suggests. I will not interfere with the Garda in the execution of their duty in this area. I would remind the Deputy that a young girl from his own part of Donegal was killed on the Strabane side of the bridge by gunfire coming from the Republic side.
This is a red herring. This is scandalous.
Anything the Garda can do——
Scandalous.
Order.
Interference by Deputy Blaney will not keep the Garda from doing their duty.
Touts of the British Government.
Deputy Blaney must restrain himself and allow the Minister to reply. We must debate Question Time in orderly fashion.
I am listening to the Minister denying that what I said is true. We have a right to find out. We want to know the truth.
A Deputy
Back to the gun.
The actions of the Garda are more than justified by the tragic events which took place in that part of Donegal including the murder of a neighbour of Deputy Blaney's by shots fired from the Republic.
(Interruptions.)
Order.