asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that Edward Behan, aged 16 years, of Chapel Lane, Athy, was arrested at 2 a.m. on the night of the 12th inst., and is now detained in Carlow; further, that this boy being unwell, and having a poultice on his neck, was roughly treated at the time of his arrest, being cut over the eye by a blow of a rifle; also that he has attended school from 9.30 to 3.30 every day, and from 5 to 7 every evening since Christmas, as he is preparing to compete for a County Council Scholarship; that he has taken no part whatever against the Government, and was ill in bed before, after, and during the time that the railway goods store was burned in Athy; and in view of the above statement, will the Minister have this boy brought to trial immediately or give orders for his release.
[ WRITTEN ANSWERS. ] - BOY'S ARREST AT ATHY.
Behan was arrested, as stated, on suspicion of aiding Irregulars and of being implicated in the burning of the railway goods store in Athy. It is denied that he was ill-treated in any way at the time of his arrest. He is now detained in Wicklow Jail. It is not intended to put him on trial, but it is not considered advisable to release him at present.