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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 4 Nov 1971

Vol. 256 No. 7

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Criminal Charge Arrest.

110.

asked the Minister for Justice if he is satisfied that a person (name supplied) recently arrested and charged with a major criminal offence was treated upon arrest in a manner appropriate to a person accused of an offence of which he has not yet been found guilty.

To avoid any misunderstanding, and on the basis that I do not intend this as a precedent, I wish to place on record that I am not aware that any allegation of illtreatment has been made by the person concerned who, I may point out, is legally represented. However, even if such an allegation were made in this or in any other case, I would not be prepared to comment on it here while the person concerned is awaiting trial since to do so would, in my opinion, be to run a serious risk of prejudicing the trial.

I am not making any allegations but is the Minister not in a position to give me an assurance which I shall immediately accept, that the allegations which have been made to me are incorrect? If he gives me that assurance I shall accept it without question.

I understand that neither the man himself nor his legal advisers have made any allegations. I would not be aware of the nature of any allegations which might have been made privately to the Deputy but to my certain knowledge this man has been treated as he should be.

How could this man's trial be prejudiced if we do not know who he is?

This does not arise on the question.

His identity could be very easily disclosed.

I must be a very simple man.

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