asked the Minister for Defence whether he is aware that Leo Cardwell, of Cill Droichead, Co. Carlow, aged 13½ years, was arrested at his home on the 24th April, was brought to Naas Military Barracks on the 25th April, at 1.30 a.m., and was admitted to the Military Hospital at 2.30 a.m., on the same day, suffering from a wound in the neck; further, that his sister, Miss Cardwell, was admitted to see him on the 27th April, on the condition that she would not ask any questions as to how he came by his wounds, and, in view of the above serious statement, will the Minister give instructions to have an open inquiry held in the matter, and have the true facts made known to the public.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. [ORAL ANSWERS.] - KILDARE PRISONER'S CONDITION.
Leo Cardwell was arrested by troops from Naas at his home early on the morning of the 24th April. At the house there were also taken six recently escaped internees, and firearms and ammunition. With the others Cardwell was brought to Naas Military Barracks at about 9 a.m. on the morning of his arrest. Because of his age, which he gave as 13½ years, it was not intended to detain him and he was kept apart from the others. It would appear that whilst in custody and some time during the night of the 24th-25th April, he received a slight wound in the neck. In connection with the occurrence a member of the Army is now under arrest awaiting trial by Courtmartial, for the convening of which steps have already been taken. Pending the result of the trial it is not possible to make a statement as to the facts of the occurrence.