asked the Minister for External Affairs if the Government propose to take up the matter with the British Home Office and request a full inquiry into the alleged wrongful execution of the late Peter Barnes, a native of Banagher, County Offaly; if his attention has been drawn to reports to the effect that there has been a miscarriage of justice; and whether the authorities are aware that the late mother of Mr. Barnes had correspondence which would have proved his innocence which was not taken into consideration at the time of the trial.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Execution Inquiry.
34.
I am not in possession of all the relevant evidence in this case but I have seen recent newspaper reports in regard to it. If the evidence referred to in these reports, or any other relevant evidence, is made available to me, I shall have it examined.
Would the Minister be good enough to consult the files of his Department for the 1941-42 period and the files of the Department of Justice for the 1941-42 period, in which there may be correspondence indicating that at least three persons volunteered to come forward to give evidence at this trial and that, for some reason or other better known to the authorities, their evidence was not accepted? Further, at the time, I can assure the Minister, the late Mrs. Barnes had correspondence from people who were prepared to come forward to prove her son's innocence. I read the correspondence from the lady at the time. There is, certainly, a miscarriage of justice. Apart entirely from the merits of the offence, this is something which should be closely followed and fully investigated.
I have set the wheels in motion for getting any information I can on this question. I have not all the information.
May I assure the Minister that there is a gentleman, Mr. Thomas Loonam, late of The Hill, Banagher, now residing in the USA, who may be able to throw some light on this correspondence? I can assure the Minister of my fullest co-operation in digging up any information that may be helpful in this matter.
Thank you.