asked the Minister for Justice whether it is the practice to keep records and details in Gárda Síochána barracks of persons detained, particularly in connection with persons detained and not charged with any offence and further, if he will state how many times in the month of November, 1929, and for what duration on each occasion was George Gilmore detained, and also if he will state on how many occasions George Gilmore became an hospital case as a result of detention.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Persons Detained by Gárda.
The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The answer to the second part is twice, the durations being from 9 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. on the first occasion, and from 8.30 p.m. until 12.50 a.m. on the second occasion; and as regards the third part of the question the answer is that on the first occasion on which Gilmore was arrested he developed what appeared to be an epileptic fit and was removed to hospital for treatment.
Does the Minister not know that on the second occasion George Gilmore was detained in hospital the whole night for the treatment of wounds received at the hands of the C.I.D.?
I do not know anything of the kind.
I have handed into you, sir, notice under Standing Order 27, asking you to permit me to raise this matter at the conclusion of questions, in view of the serious nature and urgent importance of it.
We shall take that at the end of questions.
Did the Minister hear any rumours that George Gilmore was severely beaten and that that was the cause of his being sent to hospital?
I saw a statement made that the man went to hospital after arrest—I certainly saw that—but I do not pay much credence to these sort of statements —I have investigated too many of them.
Did the Minister take any steps whatever to investigate the rumour or the statement that was made that George Gilmore was beaten unconscious on two occasions by the Gárda Síochána? Did the Minister take any steps to find out whether there was any truth in it or not?
I have already informed Deputy Briscoe that this occasion when he was brought to hospital has been fully gone into, and he was not beaten on the occasion, but was suffering from a fit.