asked the Minister for Justice if it is now part of the specific duties of the new branch of the Gárda Síochána that they are to assist in the herding and sale of farmers' cattle which may be seized for non-payment of rates; and if they are instructed to act as bidders at sheriffs' auctions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Duties of Gárdaí.
No particular branch of the Gárda Síochána has any specific duties or any particular instructions as regards the matters referred to in the question, other than the duties and instructions common to the whole force. No general instructions have been issued to the members of any branch of the Gárda Síochána to act as bidders at sheriffs' auctions.
I have not heard a single word of the reply.
I have not heard a single word uttered by the Minister and I do not think any member of the House has either. I think a reply on a matter of this kind should be made audible to members of the House generally.
You will find it in the Official Report.
Would the Minister kindly repeat his answer? It is not so difficult to make oneself heard in a small assembly of this kind.
It is not so difficult if people would listen.
Speak up, please.
(Reply repeated.)
I do not know if other members of the House have heard the reply, but I have not got it clearly. I have not heard what the Minister has got to say in reply to the question and I think I should be entitled to get a clear and audible answer. Am I to understand that no such instructions have been issued?
No general instruction.
Arising out of the Minister's answer, so far as I have been able to hear it, I have been informed that these cattle have since been shipped by the authority of the special branch of the Gárda Síochána —the Broy Harriers. I would ask the Minister if he thinks it right that the armed forces of this State should be invoked to push these famous but inoffensive cattle into a market which the President tells us we have as much chance of getting back as we have of getting the moon by whistling for it.
They should have pushed you with them.
Would the Minister inform us if there were any particular instructions issued to this Sergeant or Guard and, if so, having regard to the fact that the cattle were purchased, out of what fund the purchase money came?