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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 17 Jul 1928

Vol. 25 No. 5

(CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS). (ORAL ANSWERS). - ALLEGED DISORDER AT CLONDALKIN.

asked the Minister for Justice whether he is aware that responsible residents have made frequent representation to the Gárda Síochána complaining of scenes of great disorder which occur every Sunday at Clondalkin; and whether, in view of the fact that the disorder still continues, he will state what immediate steps he proposes to take to remedy matters.

Only one complaint was received by the Gárda Síochána in regard to disorder at Clondalkin on Sundays. On the 11th June two local clergymen made certain representations to the Gárda Síochána, as a result of which the District Officer of the Gárda arranged to be present in the village on Sunday, the 17th June, and following Sundays. No great disorder was discernible and there was no general drunkenness. The police are paying very special attention not only to Clondalkin, but to all centres that attract a large number of people each Sunday and I have no reason to believe that any disorder which can be prevented by the police takes place.

Is the Minister not aware that the scenes witnessed in Clondalkin every Sunday are of such a disgraceful character that all the local people, including both the Catholic clergyman and the Protestant clergyman, have repeatedly protested against this thing and have asked that some remedy be found for it?

I do not think the Deputy listened to my reply. I stated that on the 11th June two local clergymen made certain representations to the Gárda Síochána, and since that time the Gárda have given special attention to Clondalkin and the neighbouring villages and their report is that no great disorder was discernible and that there was no general drunkenness.

The Minister tells me that their report is that after special activities in the district they have not discerned any drunkenness in the place. The Minister said that on one Sunday one person was arrested for drunkenness. Is it not a fact that on the Sunday referred to the police actually arrested fourteen people? In answer to a question put by me recently the Minister stated that only one person was arrested on that Sunday.

I gave the Deputy full particulars in reply to a recent question, as to the arrests in Clondalkin on a number of Sundays.

I am aware that I did get a reply to that question, but I am not satisfied that the reply is at all accurate. The local Sergeant himself told one clergyman on that date that the reason he had not his full force in the street looking after the drunken people coming to the place was because of the fact that two of the Gárda were minding fourteen prisoners. When I asked for a report I discovered that there was only one person arrested on that day although the local Sergeant told the clergyman that fourteen persons had been arrested on that occasion.

I was simply going to ask the Minister if it was not a fact that notwithstanding the attention which the Superintendent of the Gárda has given to this district personally, the two clergymen who complained previously as to the conditions there on Sunday are still very dissatisfied with the conditions prevailing in the Clondalkin district?

I do not know that. Of course, the Deputy recognises that these places are outside the city and city people go out there on Sundays and it is a difficult matter for the Gárda. As far as I can gather the Gárda are taking every step to check disorder and drunkenness, but in a place like that it is a very difficult matter and I am sure the Deputy recognises that.

In view of the fact that the Gárda under existing conditions cannot control the situation in Clondalkin and places like that, will the Minister endeavour to remove the causes of these conditions?

I understand that the licensed houses in Clondalkin are permitted to open an hour earlier and to close an hour later than the licensed houses in the city?

I am aware that that may be one of the reasons, but the Deputy must be aware that I have no control over that. I cannot regulate the opening or closing of public-houses. Application is made to the District Justice and the District Justice decides the matter in question. I do not decide it.

I ask permission to raise this matter on the adjournment. I have gone through this district on several occasions myself.

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