There are two very small points I wish to make and which arise from the Minister's long and comprehensive reply. The first point relates to the first line of his reply where he mentioned specifically that no physical pressures were being used by the Garda on those in custody. May I take it from that that there may be mental pressures in use in so far as interrogation is concerned?

The Deputy may not take that to be the situation nor was that what I said. I said that this means that the statement must not have been obtained as a result of physical pressure, or a threat, or an inducement.

I am wondering whether this was merely unfortunate wording. Under the iniquitous legislation enacted last year, the Emergency Powers Act, does not the seven days detention, that is, two days plus a further five days, provide solely for a situation in which mental pressures may be built up by repetitive and continuous interrogation and in very many cases a lack of sleep is allowed to the prisoners? In regard to the assertions that the Garda have been calling in a heavy gang, of which I have read nothing, in The Irish Times or anywhere else, is it not a fact that whatever the group is called, there is a group that comes from headquarters in Dublin for interrogations in various parts of the country, over and above and in addition to the local interrogation that would have taken place in the first hours or days of detention?

Order.

I reject that. I have already in my question noted that The Irish Times has expressly disclaimed any intention of alleging that there is any such group as a heavy gang.

Order.

I reject the implication in the Deputy's question, that there is a heavy gang.

Order. Let us hear the Minister out.

I reject the Deputy's implication that there is——

The Deputy ought not consistently interrupt. If the Deputy asks a question, he should be good enough to listen to the reply.

The Deputy is making allegations against the Garda Síochána.

I have asked a question; I am not making allegations.

I have already indicated clearly that there is no so-called heavy gang in the Garda Síochána.

I did not say there was.

Order.

The Deputy wanted to know if it is permissible under the Emergency Powers Act to exert the type of pressures that he mentioned, on people in custody. The answer is no and it was never intended that the Act should be used in that way.

Do not try to misunderstand or misrepresent what I have said. I have not asserted that there is a heavy gang. I said that notwithstanding what was allegedly reported in the newspapers which I have not read in regard to the heavy gang is there a group in existence at headquarters in Dublin who are called in after the first few days of detention and interrogation at local centres throughout the country to continue the interrogation? That is the question.

There is no such group with such specific role. Certain crimes may require technical investigation which may require expertise which is only available at headquarters or at centralised level. In that situation there is a special investigation department with technical expertise who may be sent for from time to time when the local resources cannot fully investigate the alleged crime.

Can I take it——

Order, order. I am calling Deputy Charles J. Haughey.

I just want to ask one more question.

Make it quick.

Can I take it that there is no special central interrogation group as such?

We are having repetition. Order.