asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that Daniel Cronin, of Ballymakeera, in a statement which he made to the Superintendent of the Gárda Síochána in Macroom, and to the Chief Superintendent at Bandon, alleges that a sergeant of Ballyvourney assaulted him and used foul language towards him on the night of the 26th November last, while Cronin was in custody in the Gárda Barracks at Ballyvourney, and if the Minister will order an inquiry into the matter.

The allegations made in this case have been investigated. It has been ascertained that, while no real violence was used by the sergeant referred to, a technical assault was committed by him, for which he has been reprimanded. There is no evidence to support the statement that improper language was used by him. Having regard to the circumstances which led to the arrest of Cronin, and his provocative attitude towards the police, no further disciplinary action is being taken.

Will the Minister inform the House what, in his opinion, would be a technical assault which might involve disciplinary action on the part of his Department?

Read the regulations.

A technical assault, I may tell the Deputy, is a very trifling assault, if the Deputy does not know the meaning of the word.

What is a trifling assault?

What was the nature of the reprimand?

Is it as trifling as the Minister's method of answering?