asked the Minister for Justice if he will state whether he is aware that when an income tax collector was being charged at Carrick-on-Shannon on the 1st June with conspiracy, unlawful assembly, and aiding and abetting another while in possession of a revolver, on the night of the 28th-29th April, when a platform intended for a Fine Gael meeting in Mohill was burned, and an attempt made forcibly to take possession of the Gárda Síochána barracks, the State solicitor stated in the District Court that his instructions were that if the defendant consented to be tried by the District Court some of the charges would be withdrawn; and if he will state on whose authority the State solicitor made this statement, whose desire was it that the defendant should consent to be tried by the District Court; what were the reasons for this desire, and if he will state the statutory authority for the non-prosecution of serious charges of this kind.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - A Carrick-on-Shannon Case.
As the case which is referred to in this question is still sub judice, I do not think it proper to make any statement.
Will the Minister say if there are classes in this country who have special privileges in the eyes of the law?
No.
Will the Minister say why particular persons are sent before the Military Tribunal on petty charges, while others are induced to go before the District Court and, in order that they may go before the District Court, an offer is made to have serious charges withdrawn?
The case to which the Deputy is referring is still sub judice.