asked the Minister for Justice whether, as reported in the daily press of 9th May, 1961, police searches have been carried out on the homes of Irish soldiers back from the Congo; and, if so, if he will state (a) the purpose of these searches, (b) by whom they were carried out, and (c) by whom they were authorised.

There have been two such searches by members of the Garda Síochána. The members were searching for unlicensed firearms and the searches were carried out on the authority of search orders issued under the Firearms Act, 1925.

Because of certain statements in press reports, I think it well to add that the searches were carried out by the Garda Síochána in the discharge of their ordinary duties.

May I ask the Minister whether the members of the Garda Síochána were accompanied by Army officers?

Not to my knowledge.

Is the Minister satisfied that the searches were carried out purely as a normal function of the Garda Síochána without the assistance——

I am satisfied they were carried out in accordance with the law.