asked the Minister for Justice whether members of the NFA are imprisoned for refusing to sign an undertaking to keep the peace or for non-payment of the fines imposed arising out of the demonstration on January 9th; and what efforts were made to collect the fines.

A number of these persons were committed to prison by the courts in default of entering into recognisances to keep the peace; other members of the NFA were committed to prison by the courts in default of payment of fines within prescribed periods.

When a defendant is fined, he is written to by the district court clerk who informs him of the amount of the fine and the period within which the fine must be paid. If payment is not forthcoming, a warrant is issued for committal to prison.

Is the Minister aware that in this House last night he told the Press and Dáil Deputies that the NFA had given in. Why does he, the Minister for Justice, make such reckless statements?

That does not arise on this occasion.

He informed the Press and Members of the House last night and there is no truth in it now.

He informed you, too.

He did; he fooled me.