asked the Minister for Justice if he will state under what circumstances an armed raid by State forces was made on my house at Mount Pleasant Road, Cork, on Monday, 3rd June, at 5 a.m., and further to state if such raid was carried out by his instructions, written or implied, and if not by whose instructions this raid was carried out.
Private Notice Question. - Raid on Deputy's House.
I did not give any instructions in this matter, and the only information which I have at present about it is that the Deputy's house was searched on the authority of an order issued by a superintendent of the Gárda Síochána under Section 24 of the Firearms Act, 1925. I have asked for a full report as to the circumstances in which the order was issued and executed.
Considering that I wired to the Minister on Monday evening asking for an explanation, and it is now Thursday, and I have not got an explanation yet, although the raid took place at 5 o'clock on Monday morning, I think it is showing very little consideration for a member of this House.
Will the Minister give an assurance that if, after having received the report, he is satisfied that there was no justification for this violation of Deputy Hurley's house, suitable action will be taken in the matter, and suitable amends made to Deputy Hurley?
That is a separate question.
Mr. Boland
I have given the undertaking, in answer to Deputy Hurley, that I am having the whole thing inquired into. I got into touch with the Gárda Síochána, but they have been very busy in the last few days. I gave that as a reason for not having a full report, but I hope to have it soon. As I have said, the Guards have been very busy recently, and that is the only explanation I can give as to why I have not got the report. I did ask for it when Deputy Norton raised the matter with me. I also got a telegram from Deputy Hurley asking for an explanation.
If the Minister is satisfied that there was no justification for this raid, will a suitable explanation be given to Deputy Hurley?
Mr. Boland
I am not prepared to answer that at the moment.
Surely the Minister will appreciate that, in a case of this kind, an inquiry as to the cause for such procedure should take precedence of all or any other duties the superintendent may have to discharge. The retention of public confidence at the present time is of supreme importance, and this inquiry should take precedence of everything else.
I am not satisfied with the Minister's reply. As I have said, it is treating the members of this House with very great disrespect. With the permission of the Chair, I intend to raise the matter on the Adjournment to-night.
Mr. Boland
On that, all I can say is that I do not expect to be able to deal with it any further to-night. I have already stated that I am having a full inquiry made.
Is the Minister not prepared to give an assurance to Deputy Hurley that, if there was no justification for the raid on his house at 5 a.m., with a young family in the house, suitable amends will be made to Deputy Hurley?
Mr. Boland
My difficulty is that I have got to hear the other side of the story. I am very sorry that it has been thought necessary to raid any Deputy's house. I am not going to imply that there was no reason for it by making any promise like that. I am very sorry that the raid happened. If I gave that assurance I might be taken as implying that it was done without any justification. I could not do that.
My question to the Minister was: "If he is satisfied"?
Mr. Boland
I am not going to deal with "ifs". I will deal with the case when I have made inquiries.
With the permission of the Chair I propose to raise the matter on the adjournment to-night.
The Deputy might see me later when I have considered the matter.