asked the Minister for Defence the purpose for which orders were given for the firing of shots by the Army in Portlaoise, County Laois, on the night of 8th April, 1975; if he is aware that an animal crossing the lands was responsible for the alarm which caused widespread fear and uneasiness among the residents of Dublin Road and Borris Road, Portlaoise and particularly the patients of St. Fintan's Hospital which is close by; and if he will make a statement in order to ease the tension existing at present among the local residents.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Portlaoise Prison Alarm.
108.
On the basis of the reports available to me, the possibility of the alarm having been caused by an animal crossing the lands attached to the prison can be discounted. An intruder was seen on the lands close to the prison wall and a number of shots were fired. Any disturbance to members of the public is regrettable, but it will be appreciated that security at the prison is of paramount importance.