asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that Mr. John O'Connor, Barlinn, Bantry, alleges that certain members (a Detective-Sergeant, a Detective Garda and a Garda) of the Garda Siochana maltreated him on the night of August 29th last, and threatened to shoot him if he disclosed to anyone how the Gardai had acted; and whether these allegations had been brought to the notice of the Minister, and, if so, whether any inquiry was held into them, and with what result, and, if not, to ask that an inquiry be held into the matter.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - ALLEGED ASSAULT BY GARDAI.
I was not aware until the receipt of the Deputy's question that any such allegations had been made, and I have ascertained that no such allegations came to the notice of the local officer of police. The charge made against the police is a criminal one, and can be investigated in the District Court only. The complainant should himself set the law in motion in the ordinary way by laying an information, or by the adoption of such other course as he may be advised.
If a sworn affidavit is brought before the Minister, signed by the man in question, will the Minister see that proper consideration is given to it?
The proper place for criminal charges to be dealt with is in the Courts established for that purpose, and if this gentleman brings a charge against the police he can have it investigated in the Courts in the usual way.
Will the Minister give an undertaking that in the meantime the man's life will not be in danger?
The man's life is in no danger. For whom is the Deputy——
The Deputy must not be asked questions.