asked the Minister for Justice if he will state whether the findings of the Committee of Inquiry appointed to examine the charges of ill-treatment of prisoners in County Waterford in November, 1926, has been or will be published, and what compensation, if any, has been awarded the men so treated; and also, if any members of the Gárda Síochána found guilty of such conduct have been retained in the service of the State.
ORAL ANSWERS. - CHARGES OF ILL-TREATMENT OF PRISONERS.
I understand that legal proceedings have been instituted against certain members of the Gárda Síochána by persons who aver that they were ill-treated while in custody on the occasion in question and that action will come on for trial in the near future. In these circumstances I do not think it would be proper to publish the findings of the Committee or to make any statements in the matter at present.
May I take it that the findings of the inquiry will be published when this trial is over?
No; I do not think it would serve any useful purpose.
A DEPUTY
No useful purpose for the Gárda?
No useful purpose to the country.
May I say that in Waterford County it is generally believed that threats of further violence were used against these men to prevent them giving evidence before the inquiry, and it is spoken of that certain men were approached and offered money to prevent them giving evidence also. Would it not be better, in view of these things, that the results of the inquiry should be published?
I have over and over again stated that if charges are brought against members of the Gárda of a criminal nature these charges should be investigated in a public court where those people making charges against the Gárda could state their case.