asked the Minister for Justice whether he is satisfied that the rights of persons arrested under the Offences Against the State Act are being observed in all cases; or if he has any evidence to the contrary.

I have no evidence whatever to sustain the suggestion that the rights of persons arrested under the Offences Against the State Acts are not being observed.

Can the Minister indicate whether physical beating of prisoners is contrary to the rights of prisoners? When he says he is not aware of these rights being infringed, does this encompass the use of physical force on prisoners in an undue manner?

Deputy Blaney knows as well as anyone in this House that there is no right to physically abuse anybody. I will repeat my answer. I have no evidence whatever to sustain the suggestion that the rights of persons arrested under the Acts in question are not being observed.

In order to allay the fears which are being raised naturally by many and varied rumours that prisoners are being improperly treated, will the Minister make very specific investigations into the rumours of which he must be just as aware as I am that prisoners are being abused while in custody?

Like Deputy Blaney I do not like to hear of these rumours. It is unfortunate that they are being perpetrated. If Deputy Blaney or anyone else has a specific instance in which such allegations are made and can be referred to, if he conveys it to me the Garda will be only too willing and anxious to investigate it. Blanket rumours and blanket allegations cannot be investigated.