To ask the Minister for Defence if he is aware that the Stationmaster at Palace East, Co. Wexford (Mr. P.J. Holden), was arrested by Free State Troops on 11th September, and has since been detained in New Ross Barracks and in Wexford, without charge or trial, and if he is prepared to put this man on trial, or alternatively, release him, seeing that he is the sole support of his mother and sister; also to ask the Minister if he is aware that, in the search of Mr. Holden's house, a sum of £6 belonging to the mother of Mr. Holden is alleged to have been taken; that the matter was reported to the officer in charge of the troops who effected the arrest; that the money has not yet been returned; and whether he will give instructions for an immediate and searching enquiry into this alleged irregularity on the part of the troops.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. - WEXFORD STATIONMASTER'S ARREST.
DOMHNALL O CEALLACHAIN
General MULCAHY
Mr. P.J. Holden was arrested on the 11th September on suspicion that he was cooperating persistently with Irregulars, who were active in that area. He was detained in New Ross and Wexford Barracks, but no charge was formally made against him. He was allowed out of custody to go to Wexford Hospital on the 3rd October. No guard was placed on him in Hospital. On the 7th October he was formally advised that he was released, having signed the usual form of undertaking. Information is not available with regard to the allegation that £6 belonging to his mother was taken from the house, but enquiries in this matter are being pursued.
AN CEANN COMHAIRLE
We will now go into Committee on the Constitution of Saorstát Eireann Bill.
Mr. DARRELL FIGGIS
Before the Dáil goes into Committee, I wonder could you let us know whether the Standing Orders as finally and completely amended will be available? It would be very desirable to have them.
AN CEANN COMHAIRLE
They are actually in the printers' hands and will be available, therefore, to-morrow or the day after.