asked the Minister for Justice if he will state: (a) the number and nature of cases brought before the Special Tribunal, in respect of offences under the Emergency Powers Acts and Orders made thereunder; (b) the number of convictions in such cases; and (c) the particulars of the sentences imposed in each such case.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Offences under Emergency Powers Act.
asked the Minister for Justice if he will give particulars of the cases in which sentences of imprison ment and pecuniary penalties, imposed by the Special Tribunal, in respect of offences under the Emergency Powers Acts and Orders made thereunder, were commuted or remitted, in whole or in part; and if he will also state, in each case, the name of the person convicted, the nature of the offence, the sentence imposed and the nature and extent of the remission.
I propose to take Questions 8 and 9 together. The returns asked for are being compiled and I shall notify the Deputy when they are ready.
I think, however, that it would be unusual and rather objectionable to mention the names of individuals in such returns. The returns will accordingly be prepared on an impersonal basis.
Will the Minister say why it would be objectionable to mention the names, in view of the fact that each person convicted by the court in question had a public trial? What is the objection?
Mr. Boland
It is perfectly obvious to me, if not to the Deputy. I cannot help it.
It is not obvious to me. Perhaps the Minister will enlighten me?