asked the Minister for Defence if he has seen the statements in An Phoblacht of February 23rd alleging (1) that the Kerry prisoners in the Curragh Camp got no water for five days while they were on hunger-strike before Christmas; (2) that the military authorities refused to give them drinking water; (3) that two of the prisoners are being treated for nerve trouble as a result of being deprived of water during the hunger-strike and further to ask the Minister whether he will inquire into these allegations.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kerry Prisoners in Curragh Camp.
I have seen the statements to which the Deputy refers. I have already made full inquiries and am satisfied that the allegations are completely false. I talked with each of the prisoners shortly after the hunger-strike and discussed prison conditions, and no such complaint was made to me.
I have received signed statements from the two Governors, four Army doctors, and 12 non-commissioned officers who were on duty in the prison during the hunger-strike. These statements show clearly that the prisoners either drew all the water they wanted or when in bed had it brought to them by the guard. The prisoners are all in their normal state of health. None of them are being treated for nerve trouble.