asked the Minister for Defence if he will state the number of political prisoners at present in military hospitals, and if he will state his reasons for regarding prisoners suffering from physical disabilities as a danger to public peace; further, if he will say whether or not he will consider the immediate release of all prisoners at present detained in military hospitals.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - POLITICAL PRISONERS IN MILITARY HOSPITALS.
The number of prisoners at present in military hospitals is forty-one. Of these twenty-five are either sentenced, dangerous, or are awaiting action on civil charges. The question of the release of the remainder is under consideration, but not on medical grounds. Physical disabilities cannot be regarded as purchasing immunity from detention for those who commit crimes or are a danger to the State.