asked the Minister for Justice whether he is aware that John J. Coakley, Manch, Ballineen, was arrested and detained at Clonakilty on February 2nd for some days; and further to ask the Minister whether any charge was preferred against him; and under what statutory authority the arrest was made.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cork Arrests.
asked the Minister for Justice whether he is aware that Geoffrey Wycherley, of Rosscarbery, was arrested and detained at Clonakilty on January 30th; and further to ask the Minister whether any charge was preferred against him and under what statutory authority the arrest was made.
asked the Minister for Justice whether he is aware that William E. O'Driscoll, the Glueyard, Bandon, was arrested and detained at Bandon on the 2nd February and released after some time; and further to ask the Minister whether any charge was preferred against him and under what statutory authority the arrest was made.
I propose to take questions Nos. 4, 5 and 6 together. The persons referred to were apprehended and detained by virtue of the powers conferred on the police by Part III of Article 2 A of the Constitution. The person referred to in question No. 6 has since been rearrested and will be brought before the Constitution (Special Powers) Tribunal on charges of which he has received notice in writing. No charges have been preferred against the other two persons.
Is the Minister not aware that if he had made impartial inquiries he would find that the people mentioned in these three inquiries have been always peaceful men and good citizens—men who have done their best to build up industries in this State? I want to know if the Minister has any apology to make or any excuse to offer as to why these men have been arrested? Will the Minister check the authorities under him for arresting these peaceable, law-abiding citizens?
Dr. Ryan
One of the three I have mentioned is being brought to trial.
Is the Minister to give the House any further information? Is there to be a stop to this thing in the country?
A Deputy
Yes, if your Party stops it.
Are we to have a continuation of this exhibition of peaceable, law-abiding citizens being arrested——
Dr. Ryan
Yes, if this thing is stopped there will be a stop to their arrests.
Is the Minister aware that two of these arrested men —I am not referring to the men under arrest at present in Mountjoy—are the most peaceable and law - abiding citizens in West Cork? Has anybody tendered any excuse beyond mere suspicion for their being arrested on this or any other occasion?
Dr. Ryan
I am not aware.
I give notice that I will raise the subject matter of Questions 4, 5 and 6 on the Adjournment this evening.