asked the Minister for Defence if he will grant a public sworn inquiry into the death of Pierce Lewis, who was killed in a Military Barracks at Killaloe, Co. Clare, on September 16th, 1923?
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - KILLALOE BARRACKS FATALITY.
The death of Pierce Lewis was investigated by a Military Court of Enquiry, before which Military evidence was taken on oath and also investigated by inquest. In both cases the finding was one of accidental death, and the jury added that no blame attached to anybody. I see no reason for further enquiry.
Is the Minister aware that the boy was killed by a rifle the property of the Minister for Defence, and which was used by a civilian in the barracks at the time?
The matter was fully investigated by both Courts of Inquiry mentioned, and I am sure that that evidence was before them in arriving at a decision.
Who is responsible for the control of the arms supplied to the National Army?
The officers and men to whom they are supplied; and the evidence as to the responsibility of that control was no doubt before both the military inquiry and the inquest.
Mr. HOGAN
How did the rifle pass from the hands of the Army to the hands of a civilian?
This matter was investigated before those Courts and if the Deputy wants any detailed information with regard to the evidence that was before those Courts, he will have to ask separately for it.