asked the Minister for Home Affairs whether he is aware that a band of masked and armed men, travelling in a lorry and four motor cars, arrived at the district between Ennis and Quin, Co. Clare, in the early hours of the 30th ult. and carried away, with nine others, Messrs. James and John McCormack, Doora, to Fenloe House, where the kidnapped men were subjected to repeated floggings, as a result of which the lives of several of these men were in danger from the injuries received; to ask what steps, if any, have been taken in the matter.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. [ORAL ANSWERS.] - A CLARE OUTRAGE.
Mr. O'HIGGINS
On Saturday night, the 29th September, a number of armed men, some of whom wore masks, arrived in a Ford motor lorry and carried away Messrs. James and John McCormack, of Doora, together with nine other men. Most of the kidnapped men have since refused to make any statement; but, from information supplied by certain of them, it appears that they were, as stated, subjected to repeated floggings with butts of rifles and revolvers, and questioned as to what they knew concerning the whereabouts of Mrs. Crowe, who had been kidnapped on the 23rd of that month. The attackers represented themselves as friends of Mrs. Crowe from England and spoke with English accents. The kidnapped men are unable to identify their attackers, and can give no information which might lead to their arrest. They were released on the 1st October, after Mrs. Crowe had returned to her home, and were warned not to communicate with the Gárda Síochána or with the Army. Inquiries are still proceeding.
I would like to ask the Minister if he credits the statement that they were friends of Mrs. Crowe from England, seeing that she is a Unionist lady, and will he consider a written statement made to me by one of the prisoners?
Mr. O'HIGGINS
I will consider any statement or any information the Deputy will lay before me.
All right.