asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been directed to the case of two young men, named Martin Finnegan, of Curragh, Cloonfad, Ballyhaunis, and Bernard Cunniffe, of Newtown, Cloonfad, Ballyhaunis, who were arrested by National Troops from Ballyhaunis some seven or eight weeks ago, and are at present detained in Galway Gaol; whether they were arrested on suspicion of looting the traders in Cloonfad; whether he is aware that the traders of Cloonfad, on hearing of this charge, forwarded a signed statement to the officer in charge at Ballyhaunis to the effect that the charge was false; whether, on receipt of this statement, the said officer sent forms to the parents of these men asking that they should be signed by themselves and responsible ratepayers, giving security for £50 each for the future good conduct of these men; whether these forms were duly signed, and, if so, will he say why these prisoners are still detained, and is it proposed to release them.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. [ORAL ANSWERS.] - CO. MAYO PRISONERS.
Martin Finnegan and Bernard Cunniffe were arrested by troops from Ballyhaunis on the 3rd March last, on the charge of looting. They are at present detained in Galway Gaol. A statement signed by traders in Ballyhaunis to the effect that the charge was false has been submitted. Bail forms in respect of these prisoners have been signed, and the question of their release is being considered.