To ask the Minister for Defence whether he is aware that a boy of 18 years of age, named Patrick Rourke, Carrickspringan, Carlanstown, Kells, was arrested at his own home on December 14th, 1922, and is still interned; what are the reasons for the arrest and detention of this prisoner, and whether the Minister can now cause him to be released.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. - KELLS ARREST.
Enquiries are being made in the case, but they have not yet been completed.
LATE WILLIAM McGOWAN.
To ask the Minister for Defence if he is aware that the widow, residing at 33 Upper Gardiner Street, and infant son of William McGowan are now destitute, and have been compelled to apply for Poor Law Relief; if he is aware that William M'Gowan was shot dead by Government Forces at Wellington Monument, Phoenix Park, at 4.15 on Saturday evening, 27th January; if he is aware that the Coroner's jury, which was attended by eminent counsel. representing the Government, unanimously returned the following verdict:—
"We find that William M'Gowan died on the 27th inst., from shock and laceration caused by a penetrating gunshot wound of the skull, the said shot was fired by——, and that we find no justification for this act, and that we recommend the widow and child of the deceased to the kind consideration of the National Army."
If he is aware that Government counsel undertook to convey the jury's recommendation to the proper authority; if he will now say what he proposes to do, in this and similar cases, to prevent dependants of persons shot, without justification, being left in grave want.
I am aware of the fatal shooting of Mr. McGowan, and of the recommendation of the Coroner's jury. The question of providing compensation for the dependants of the late Mr. M'Gowan is under consideration.