asked the Minister for Defence whether he is aware that C. Harte and J. Lynch, who were sentenced to three years' imprisonment in connection with an alleged bomb outrage at Bishopstown, Co. Cork, were refused permission to call witnesses in their defence, or to obtain legal aid, and whether, in view of this refusal, he will give instructions for their release.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. [ORAL ANSWERS.] - PRISONERS AND THEIR SENTENCE.
Harte and Lynch were not refused permission to call witnesses. They accepted the services of an Officer for their defence.
It is regretted that my reply to the Deputy's question on the 20th ultimo regarding Harte was misleading. The Court recommended that Harte and Lynch be sentenced to three years' penal servitude. The recommendation, however, has not yet been considered by the Confirming Authority, and has not, therefore, been confirmed. It is not the intention at present to release the prisoners.
I wonder is the Minister aware that my information that the prisoners were not given permission to call witnesses, or to get legal advice comes from the Intelligence Officer at the Courthouse in Cork, and, in view of that I would ask that enquiries should be made, and I would ask the Minister to have a re-trial, and to allow the prisoners a chance of defending themselves, as the general opinion in Cork is that the military have taken sides in a labour dispute which exists there.