asked the Minister for Defence whether he is aware of the arrest of John McCann, Pat Donlon, Joe Grourke and John Tumilty, by troops, on February 19th, 1923, at Littleton, Pidgeons, Athlone; whether any charge has been preferred against them, and whether the men are detained in Custume Barracks, Athlone.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. [ORAL ANSWERS.] - ARRESTS IN CO. WESTMEATH.
These men were arrested on the grounds of driving cattle off the lands of Mr. Walter Kelly of Littleton and are detained in Custume Barracks, Athlone. A charge has not been definitely preferred against them.
Can the Minister state when it is likely that a charge will be brought against those men, or will it be possible to have the men released, provided they give the necessary securities?
I shall have the question of the possibility of their release considered.