asked the Minister for External Affairs if he has made any representation to the Government of Northern Ireland with a view to securing the release of two persons (names supplied) at present held under the Special Powers Act the repeal of which has been recommended in the Hunt Report.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Six County Arrests.
39.
It appears from press reports that, while the two persons referred to by the Deputy were arrested under the Special Powers Act, they have been charged with specific offences and have appeared in court where they were remanded in custody for their trial.
As these men will be appearing on December 4th, has the Minister made any representations? One of these men is the only person held under the Special Powers Act, and the penalty under that Act is much more severe than under any other Act. Other persons arrested in similar circumstances have not been charged under the Special Powers Act and are therefore likely to be allowed off with a lesser penalty. In view of that, has the Minister made any representations to have the people charged under a different Act?
No, I have not.
Question No. 40.
Further to the Minister's reply——
I have called the next question.
Does the Minister intend to make any representations between now and 4th December to have them charged under a different Act?