asked the Minister for Justice if he will state whether the German parachutist who escaped from internment in Mountjoy Jail has been recaptured; and, if not, whether the Minister has any indication as to his present whereabouts.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Escaped German Parachutist.
The answer to both parts of the question is in the negative. I can assure the Deputy that every effort is being made to recapture the escaped man.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, will he say whether the Censor's prohibition on the publication of the description and the news of this man's escape hindered his apprehension, and secondly, whether the Minister has any reason to believe that the so-called I.R.A. is harbouring this German gentleman at the present time?
Mr. Boland
That is the first I heard of any prohibition on the publication of the description of this man. I understand the usual practice was adopted and that the announcement of his escape was published in the newspapers. As to where he is or who is harbouring him, I have no definite information, but I have my own opinion about that. If I had any definite information, I would get after the people who are harbouring him. I can assure the Deputy that the police are doing everything to bring about his recapture.
Is the Minister not aware that the Censor prohibited for four days the publication of the news of his escape and of his description? If the Minister is not aware of that, would he consider establishing some kind of co-ordination between himself and the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defensive Measures, in order to secure that his efforts for this man's apprehension will not be harassed by the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defensive Measures?
Mr. Boland
Nobody has harassed me. Everybody in the Government is just as anxious as I am to find and recapture this man.
But you did not know that the Minister held up the publication of news of his escape and his description for four days.
Would the Minister say whether, in order to show the importance that he attaches to the recapture of this man, he proposes to offer a reward for information that would lead to his recapture?
Mr. Boland
I have not considered that question. I do not know whether it would help, but I shall have it considered.
It might help to emphasise to the public the fact that the Minister attaches importance to his recapture.