To ask the Minister for Defence if his attention has been directed to the case of Edward Gunning, of Sligo, a youth of 18 or 19 years, who is a prisoner in the hands of the Military Authorities; whether it is true that the doctor at Longford reported that he was suffering from tuberculosis and recommended his release; whether he was afterwards transferred to Athlone and confined with other prisoners; whether young Gunning signed the usual form of undertaking on December 11th last, and will the Minister say if, in view of his delicate health, he will now order his immediate release.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. [ WRITTEN ANSWERS. ] - A PRISONER'S HEALTH.
A doctor has certified that Mr. Gunning is suffering from tuberculosis, and has recommended his release. Gunning is now detained at Custume Barracks, Athlone, to which barracks he was transferred from Longford. There is no record of his having signed the usual form of undertaking, although he states that he did so. However, he refuses to sign it now, and in view of this it is not intended to release him at present.