asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that Mr. H. Kevany, Chairman of the Ballina Rural District Council, was arrested at a meeting of the Council held on 12th March last and that he has since been detained in Galway Jail; if he can state what are the reasons for Mr. Kevany's arrest, and whether it is proposed to formulate definite charges against him and put him on trial; or, alternatively, to have him released.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. [ ORAL ANSWERS. ] - A BALLINA PRISONER.
Mr. Kevany was arrested on suspicion of aiding and abetting the Irregulars. He has refused to sign the usual form of undertaking. It is not intended to formulate a definite charge against him, and it is not considered advisable to release him at present.