asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí on duty during the NFA parade on Wednesday, 19th October, 1966.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - NFA Parade: Gardaí on Duty.
33.
The number of members of the Garda Síochána engaged on duty in connection with the NFA parade through Dublin on Wednesday, 19th October, 1966, was 651.
Was there any necessity for such a large body of gardaí being on duty? Further, was it necessary as the Cabinet on Tuesday, the 18th, had issued instructions to the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries to refuse to see the deputation? Was that the reason why such a large body of gardaí was present on that day?
I want to clarify one particular matter in this respect. Almost the total number of gardaí on duty were drawn from the Dublin Metropolitan Area.
I should like to ask the Minister, for the record, would he not agree that the demonstrations last Wednesday were conducted in a perfectly orderly and democratic manner and reflected great credit on the National Farmers Association and the Garda? Further, does he consider that his reference to mob rule in Clontarf on Monday night was a deliberate incitement and provocation to the farmers?
I certainly would not describe the situation which existed between 4 o'clock and 5 o'clock last Wednesday as anything like an orderly situation. It was in fact a very dangerous situation——
Hear, hear.
—and was averted by reason of the fact——
(Interruptions.)
Order.
Why did the Minister call them a mob?
—— and was averted by reason of the fact——
It is not averted yet.
(Interruptions.)
The Minister.
It was averted by reason of the presence of the Garda who were there to preserve peace, and did preserve peace.
The Minister had not much respect for them one time. Is the Taoiseach now prepared to meet a deputation from these responsible people——
I will allow no more supplementary questions. Question No. 34, to the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs.
—— before there is a revolution in the country?
They made a right hames of it anyhow.
The people who are talking about mob law. You had it in Athlone the other night.