asked the Minister for External Affairs if he is aware that a statement has appeared in an English newspaper recently that the body of the late Roger Casement was not destroyed after his execution in Pentonville Jail in 1916; that the normal system of destruction of bodies at that time was not carried out in Casement's case and that his remains are in a preserved state; and, if so, if he will have the necessary inquiries made from the British Home Office with a view to having that statement either confirmed or contradicted; and, further, if he will make representations to have Casement's body repatriated to Ireland.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Remains of Sir Roger Casement.
I am aware of the newspaper statement to which the Deputy refers.
According to information furnished by the British authorities there was no difference, so far as they know, between the treatment of Roger Casement's body and that of anyone else buried as their law requires within the walls of a prison.
As I stated in my reply to the Deputy's question of February last, there has been no indication of a change of attitude on the part of the British authorities on the subject of the repatriation of Casement's remains. I do not consider that any useful purpose would be served by making a formal approach in the matter at present.
The Minister referred to the requirements of the law in the matter. Is the Minister quite certain that there are any legal requirements in regard to matters of that kind? I do not think so. If that answer is given to him, possibly he might draw to the attention of the British Government the fact that there are no such requirements.
Our information is that there was a routine way of dealing with bodies buried within prison walls until 1926 and that, after that, it changed.