asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that a request was sent recently to Portobello Barracks, on behalf of a prisoner named M'Grath, of Shaun McDermott Street, Wexford, asking that he be released on parole for the purpose of attending his father's funeral; if he is aware that this request was refused, and whether it is his considered policy to refuse parole in such cases.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. [ORAL ANSWERS.] - PRISONER'S REQUEST FOR PAROLE.
The Minister for Defence is aware of the request. On its receipt the prisoner was given the option of signing the usual form of undertaking. This he refused to do. In the circumstances his release on parole was not allowed. It is the considered policy to refuse parole in cases of the kind.
In view of the fact that the British Government used to release prisoners of that kind does the Minister not think it is rather harsh treatment?
Undertakings given by men in the custody of the British Government were regularly and honourably kept. We have not had the same experience, unfortunately.
I want to make the position clear. At the particular time the telegram arrived, he was asked to give an undertaking that he would come back.
Perhaps the Minister will repeat the answer.
Answer repeated.
Arising out of the answer, in a case where a prisoner gives all the necessary undertakings, why does the Minister for Defence refuse liberty to him?
This is a question of parole.
The case I was referring to was one of liberty.
If McGrath had signed the undertaking he would have been released on parole to attend his father's funeral? That is my point.
It would have been a condition to the favourable consideration of the request. Without it there would be no use in considering it. From my experience in connection with any cases that I have put to the Minister for Defence, he has very favourably considered a bona fide undertaking and has accepted such in any case I ever recommended to him, or anyone else that I know of.