asked the Minister for Justice whether he is aware that it is alleged that Jack Keogh, a prisoner in Maryborough Jail, has, as a result of ill-treatment, become insane, and if he is in a position to make any statement on the matter.
PRIVATE NOTICE QUESTION. - CASE OF A PRISONER IN MARYBOROUGH JAIL.
Convict John Keogh has been certified as insane, and arrangements are being made for his removal to Dundrum Criminal Lunatic Asylum. I am not to be taken as assenting to the Deputy's suggestion that the insanity is due to ill-treatment.
Arising out of that answer, would the Minister say if he will consider the question of appointing a committee to inquire, with a view to recommending their release, or a revision of sentences, in the case of prisoners who, on examination, may prove to be political prisoners?
No, sir, I will not consider anything of the kind.
Will the Minister take into account the fact of the prisoner's present alleged insanity in reference to the trial and sentence? If his insanity is not the result of treatment in prison, it is to be presumed he was not sane when he committed the offence for which he was sentenced, and therefore the course of the law and the sentence ought to be modified.
Before the Minister answers that question, is he in a position to say how long this prisoner has been in gaol?
Since July, 1924. He was found guilty in July, 1924, of certain offences and sentenced to ten years' penal servitude.
Mr. COSGRAVE
Has his father been notified that the prisoner has been transferred to an asylum?
I think so. In any case he will be notified. He has not been transferred yet.
Mr. COSGRAVE
Is the Minister aware that the father heard his son was dead and that he wired to the Governor of the gaol but got no reply?
Yes.