asked the Minister for Justice whether the Gárda Síochána authorities have received any complaints relative to the arrest and alleged ill-treatment of Martin and Michael Hayes, of Mountcoal, Listowel, on the 19th December last; and, if so, what action has been or will be taken to deal with the person or persons against whom such complaints have been made.

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part of the question, the solicitors for the complainants, who were in communication with the local Gárda Síochána officer, were informed on the 20th ultimo that the complaints had been considered and it was not proposed to take any action in the matter.

Will the Minister say by whom the matter was considered?

The matter was considered by the local Gárda Officer, by the head of the Gárda in Dublin, and by myself personally.

Does the Minister rely altogether on investigations and reports made by persons against whom complaints have been made by people?

There were no complaints made against the persons who carried out the investigations. There was no complaint made against any officer of the Gárda Síochana.

I should like to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the motion for the adjournment to-night.