asked the President if, with reference to his explanation that certain phrases used by him at Dundalk on September 10th last alleging an illegal conspiracy and an endeavour to intimidate farmers into signing a pledge to pay no rent or rates by circulating a list of boycotted persons to owners of threshing machines were of general import and had no particular reference to the trial of the nine Waterford farmers, he will state if any other prosecutions or trials are pending founded on such lists being circulated to owners of threshing machines, or if investigations are still proceeding in cases in which the circulation of such lists to owners of threshing machines is alleged, and in the latter event to state the number of such cases.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Alleged Illegal Conspiracy.
I am not aware that any prosecutions are pending on charges of circulating lists of boycotted persons to owners of threshing machines, but the Deputy may feel confident that every aspect of the conspiracy to prevent the payment of rates is receiving the attention of the Department of Justice and that any measures necessary to defeat that conspiracy will be taken.
Does the President hold that the explanation he gave on a previous occasion when asked in regard to this matter still holds good?
No reply was given.
Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I shall raise this matter on the adjournment.