asked the Minister for Justice whether he will state what steps, if any, have been taken for the care and upkeep of the graves of I.R.A. men executed during the Anglo-Irish War and buried in Cork Male Prison; whether he will state if steps will be taken for their removal to consecrated ground, or will the remains be handed over to the relatives of those men.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Upkeep of Graves in Cork Prison.
The graves of 13 men who were executed in Cork and buried in the grounds of Cork Prison in the year 1921 are kept in good order.
The question of the exhumation of the bodies and their transfer to relatives for re-interment was the subject of careful consideration by the Executive Council some years ago, when the conclusion was reluctantly reached that, having regard to the time that had elapsed and the circumstances attending the burials, exhumation was quite impracticable.
I do not know whether the Minister has seen these graves recently. I know I made two attempts to see them, and on each occasion was prevented; but I have certain knowledge that the graves are absolutely uncared. I have very definite knowledge of that fact; and I also wish to complain of the manner in which the relatives of the deceased are treated. Last week—
The Deputy must not make a speech.
I am not making a speech.
The Deputy is. He began by saying he must complain.
Is the Minister aware that the relatives of the deceased are refused admittance?
That is a question on a different matter.
And it is not correct. The Deputy himself applied and was granted permission to see the graves.
I am glad the Minister mentioned that. I applied on Saturday last.
And permission was given.
It did not arrive yesterday by post.
It has arrived.
In the case of an aged father 73 years——
Next question.
I give notice that I will raise this matter on the adjournment to-morrow.