andMr. Finucane asked the Minister for Justice if the Government have reached a decision in connection with the release of members of Dáil Éireann who are imprisoned and of other persons imprisoned under the Offences against the State Acts, and, if so, if he will state the nature of the decision.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Release of Prisoners.
It is not proposed to release the prisoners referred to before they have completed their sentences.
Might I ask the Minister if he would agree that it would be an inspiring start to the present Government's period of office, and that it would also help to create an ample fund of good will among all sections of the community, if the olive branch were held out to those young men, by releasing them rather than to hold the big stick over them?
I think it would be desirable if the Deputy would direct these remarks to the people concerned rather than to me. We are quite prepared to submit the ways and means to these men——
I am speaking about the very young men.