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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 11 May 1922

Vol. S2 No. 10

QUESTIONS—SEIZURE OF NEWSPAPERS.

asked the Minister for Home Affairs—

(1) If it is a fact that during the truce copies of Dublin newspapers have been seized and destroyed at Limerick, Castlebar, and other centres?

(2) If it is a fact that during the truce newsagents in Dublin have received notices that if they bought, sold or assisted in the sale of a Dublin newspaper their premises would be burned?

The answer to both questions is in the affirmative. The following incidents occurred since the truce, i.e., that is since the 4th May, 1922, 1a.—Late on the afternoon of the 4th inst. warning notices, headed "Oglaigh na hÉireann" were handed to several newsagents in Dublin ordering them not to purchase or sell any copies of the Freeman's Journal. 2a.—On the 5th inst. a delivery van belonging to Messrs. Eason was held up on the Drumcondra Road, and all copies of the Freeman's Journal were removed from the van and burned in Fitzroy Avenue. (b) Copies of the paper were removed from the train at Limerick Junction and burned. (c) Copies of the Freeman were removed from the train at Castlebar and burned. (d) Other warning notices were delivered to individual newsagents during the course of this day. The notices were delivered up to 10.30 p.m. that night. 3 (a)—On the 8th inst. papers were again burned at Limerick Junction. (b) The proprietors received a telegram which read “Stop sending papers. Raided here.” It is signed “Mulranny.” (c) And another which read, “Stop Freeman; burned again.” Signed, “Colbinstown.” (d) A notice was served on the newsagents in the Fethard area, signed “Delahunty, Adjutant,” as follows:

"I.R.A. Barracks,

"Fethard,

5/5/22.

"(1) The Freeman's Journal will not be allowed into this battalion area.

"(2) Newsagents are hereby warned that if they persist in selling the same they will be severely dealt with.

"(3) All Standing Orders for this paper should be cancelled at once.

"By Orders, Chief of Staff,

"G.H.Q.,

"J. Delahunty, Adjt."

4 (a).—On the 9th inst. papers were burned at Limerick Junction, Colbinstown, Clonmel, and Baltinglass. (b) Newsagents in Clifden and Dungarvan wrote requesting the proprietors to discontinue the supply of the Freeman and Weekly Freeman as they were prohibited from taking delivery. 5.—Yesterday, the 10th inst. papers were again removed from the train at Limerick Jnction and burned. In addition to the typewritten notices referred to above verbal threats have been made to Dublin newsagents that if they buy, sell, or assist in the sale of the Freeman their premises will be burned.

Has he mentioned whether any newspapers have been destroyed in Limerick?

A DEPUTY:

Yes, at Limerick Junction.

Limerick Junction is not Limerick.

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