asked the Minister for Defence whether he is aware that John Clarke, James Caffrey and Patrick Matthews, Wilkinstown, Navan, Co. Meath, were arrested in Trim on the 25th February, 1923, and are at present detained in Dundalk; whether any charge has been preferred against them, and whether it is intended to have them brought to trial or released.
WRITTEN ANSWERS. - DETENTION OF MEATH PRISONERS.
John Clarke, James Caffrey and Patrick Matthews were arrested by the military authorities on 25th February, 1923, on charge of being members of a party which carried out a raid on the business premises of Mr. Tiernan, Wilkinstown, Navan, on 24th December, 1922, and stole money and goods therefrom. The charge was investigated by military tribunal on 11th July, 1923. The prisoners were found guilty and have been sentenced to two years' imprisonment with hard labour. They have not yet, however, been removed to jail for convicted prisoners, but are detained in an ordinary place of internment.