asked the Taoiseach if he is aware that Mr. Francis Hackett of Cullimore, Clogher, County Tyrone, appeared before the recent Circuit Court in Monaghan charged in connection with, as alleged, assaulting and causing grievous bodily harm to a number of customs officers in May, 1950; and that at this court the state solicitor successfully applied to have the case sent for trial to the Central Criminal Court, Dublin; and, if so, whether he will indicate the reason for such an application.

The case referred to in the Deputy's question was sent forward to the Central Criminal Court on the application of the Attorney-General, who acted in this matter in pursuance of Section 54 of the Courts of Justice Act, 1924. The Attorney-General's application was made in the interest of justice.