asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a military patrol opened fire on an E.S.B. truck at Ballymanny on Wednesday night, 3rd December, and, if so, what instructions issued to the military on this occasion; and if he will make a statement on the matter to allay public uneasiness and ensure that a similar incident does not occur in future.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ballymanny (Kildare) Shooting Incident.
79.
The reports on this incident show that on being signalled to halt by means of a red lamp, the truck slowed down, then swerved towards one of the soldiers and accelerated. The soldier had to jump out of the way to avoid being run down. His life was thus endangered and he and a companion soldier reacted to this highly dangerous and suspicious manoeuvre by firing at the tyres of the truck in an effort to halt it. I cannot find that the soldiers acted improperly in the circumstances and, therefore, as far as the troops are concerned, there is no question of ensuring that a similar incident does not occur in future.
I do not accept the Deputy's statement that public uneasiness has been caused by this incident.
Does the Minister suggest that a state of emergency has been declared here at the moment and that the military are now entitled to fire at random at ordinary citizens passing in a car, on a bicycle, or on foot?
There was no question of firing at random. I consider all the Army personnel involved in the affair exercised admirable discipline and restraint in the circumstances.
May I ask whether the instructions issued to the military on this occasion were that they could fire at vehicles which or individuals who failed to halt?
No such instruction was issued.
Question No. 80.
May I ask——
Question No. 80.