asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that during the past fortnight, arising out of a dispute at Tuam Beet Factory, the Gárda Síochána approached various traders in the town of Tuam and warned them that they must not supply men on strike with tobacco, cigarettes or refreshment; and, if so, if he will state if this action was taken with the authority of his Department; and, if so, the grounds for giving such instructions; and, if the action complained of was taken without authority, if he will take steps to have inquiries instituted with a view to preventing its recurrence.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tuam Sugar Factory: Strikers' Supplies.
I have had inquiries made and I am informed that on the 11th of May a party of men returning from work at the sugar factory at Tuam were assaulted by a large group of strikers who had assembled outside a licensed premises on the road from the factory to the town. Several of the strikers had been drinking in the licensed premises and were under the influence of drink at the time. In order to prevent a recurrence of the attack on the workmen, the superintendent of the Guards called next day on the licensee of the premises in question, and warned her not to serve too much drink to the strikers around about the time when the workmen return from the factory. This was the only warning given by the police to any trader in Tuam in connection with the strike.