asked the Minister for External Affairs if he is aware of the fact that there are about 80 political prisoners confined in Derry Gaol who are being treated as criminals; that they are not allowed free association with each other and are locked up in solitary confinement in their cells for twenty hours a day, that they are allowed two hours' exercise in the morning, which consists of walking round a ring on a concreted path eighteen inches wide, and two hours again in the evening, that to stop to rest is a breach of the rules, punishable by three days' solitary confinement on bread and water diet; to ask whether, in view of the fact that many of these prisoners are in bad health, he will make representations to the responsible authorities to have all these men given the status of political prisoners and treated accordingly.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - POLITICAL PRISONERS IN DERRY GAOL.
I have read the statement contained in this question in an Irregular organ. I have no other knowledge of the facts alleged. If the Deputy will give me names and particulars of persons detained solely for advocacy of the unity of Ireland representations will be made.