asked the Minister for Justice if Mr. Ralph P. Keyes, Chairman of Bantry Town Commissioners, and West Cork Comhairle Ceanntair of Fianna Fáil, was stopped by members of the Gárda Síochána on the 17th instant on the road from Bantry to Glengarriff and searched, and, as is stated, assaulted; and, if so, the reason for this action.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bantry T.C. Chairman and Gárda Síochána.
Following the attempt to blow up the Gárda Síochána station on the 17th instant, members of the Gárda Síochána were instructed to search any persons whom they believed to be in possession of firearms. In pursuance of these instructions Mr. Keyes was searched. No assault took place.
Is the Minister aware that Mr. Keyes was searched in a manner which did not redound to the credit of the police force, that during the course of his search he was continually assaulted and that the police officers concerned used very obscene language towards him, and if he thinks that is a proper way for the police to conduct their duties?
The Deputy has been entirely misinformed as to the facts.
Is the Minister also aware that the parish priest of Glengarriff, the Rev. Fr. O'Connor, who hitherto has been a very staunch supporter of the Government Party, speaking at Mass on Sunday last——
I do not think that we can have quotations.
——denounced the manner in which the police were conducting their duties and asked that all his parishioners, similarly assaulted by the police, would give information to him so that he could take the matter up with the Minister?
I am not aware that anything of the kind happened.
Might I ask the Minister whether the police on that occasion had warrants to search?
They were searching for firearms and, therefore, did not require warrants.