asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that the Gárda searched the house of Mr. Kelly, an ex-stationmaster, at Glanworth, Co. Cork, and also the store of Messrs. Suttons, Ltd., at Glanworth Railway Station (which is managed by the wife of Mr. Kelly and their son), on 1st November, 1928, in respect of meal stated to have been stolen from the station, and that no other house in the district was visited; that Mrs. Kelly suffered seriously from shock as a result of the search; whether in view of the satisfactory services rendered by Mr. and Mrs. Kelly during their long periods of service in their respective positions, and in view of the slur on their characters as a result of the searches, he will state the reasons or the grounds of suspicion for these searches.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Gárda Searches at Glanworth.
Following the larceny of a quantity of meal from Glanworth Railway Station in October last, the Gárda Síochána obtained search warrants authorising them to search the residence of Mr. Daniel Kelly, ex-stationmaster, and also the store of Messrs. Suttons, Ltd., at Glanworth Railway Station. The searches were carried out without causing any avoidable inconvenience to those concerned. The members of the Gárda Síochána acted in the interests of justice, and I am of opinion that they did not exceed their duties in any way. It is not the practice to disclose the information upon which the police act in cases such as this.
In view of the fact that the Guards of this district seem to have nothing whatsoever to do beyond trying to cause disturbance, will the Minister have the Guards removed from the village?
I daresay there are certain persons who would like the Gárda removed; but the Deputy's own question shows there was a larceny committed that the Gárda were investigating, and very properly investigating.
And their investigation was anything but just and it was not carried out in the interests of justice.
Is the Minister aware that the putting down of the question on the Order Paper has caused a good deal of unnecessary pain to this respectable family? There is a great deal of respect, and deservedly so, for the family in that particular district, and I understand that they are considerably pained by having reference made to this matter in the House.
The Deputy must not make a speech about it now.