To ask the Minister for Defence if he has any knowledge of the arrest of Mr. Doyle, Deputy County Surveyor to the Waterford County Council at his office in Clonmel, and his detention in Kilkenny Gaol, consequently holding up the work of the County Council, also that although he offered keys to open the roll-top desk, the Army Officers broke it open with bars; whether Mr. Doyle was charged with possessing gelignite which he was entitled to have as a Deputy County Surveyor for use in quarrying operations; whether the Minister is aware that Mr. Doyle's motor car, a small one, and therefore useless for military purposes, was taken and is being used by military officers for joy-riding around Clonmel, and whether it is proposed to release him, or will he inquire into and state the reasons for his arrest.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. - WATERFORD SURVEYOR'S ARREST.
SEAN BUITLEIR
MINISTER for DEFENCE (Mr. R. Mulcahy)
Mr. Doyle was arrested on the 11th August because of his having given instructions to Irregulars in the matter of mine-laying and demolitions and for using his motor car to help the Irregulars. He is detained in Kilkenny jail and it is not intended to release him at present. Information is not at the moment available as to the alleged breaking open of his roll-top desk. Enquiry is being made in the matter. Mr. Doyle is not charged with being in possession of gelignite. His motor car is retained for army purposes and is being held at the disposal of the Command Medical Officer. If any details are available as to the alleged joy-riding in the Clonmel area by officers, I shall be glad to have details of such allegations for the purposes of investigation.