To ask the Minister for Defence whether it is a fact that Michael Loftus, William Hans, Patrick Colleran, James Burke, and Timothy M'Hugh, all of Tuam, have recently been arrested by the National troops; whether it is true, as stated in the local Press, that these men, or most of them, had, in response to the invitation of the Government, and on the advice of the Bishops, severed their connection with the forces acting against the Government; is he aware that the arrest of these men in the circumstances has caused much surprise in the district; and will he say why they have been arrested.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. - ARRESTS IN TUAM.
My information is that these men were arrested in Tuam on the 7th instant for aiding and abetting the Irregulars. It is believed that Burke acted as an intelligence officer, and Loftus as a carrier of despatches.