asked the Minister for Defence if he will state why the letters written by James McEnery to his relatives before his execution in Tralee Barracks last April were never delivered, although similar letters written by other men awaiting execution were delivered in due course also whether it is proposed to accede to the request of his relatives to have his body handed over for interment in the family burial ground.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - DELIVERY OF EXECUTED MAN'S LETTERS.
A number of letters written by James McEnery before his execution were detained by the military authorities, as their publication at the time would have been prejudicial to public interests. It is regretted that the request of his relatives as to the handing over of the body cannot he acceded to.
Mr. O'CONNELL
Would the Minister say if the time has now come when the letters can be sent to the relatives?
I will see that that matter is reconsidered.