asked the Minister for Defence if he will state the number of untried political prisoners detained at present in custody, and also the number of tried prisoners already undergoing sentences.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - POLITICAL PRISONERS IN CUSTODY.
SEÁN O LAIDHIN
The number of political prisoners who have not been tried is 658, and the number who have been sentenced by military tribunals and who are still in custody is 317.
Can the Minister say if many of these prisoners at the present time are in hospital, and that owing to the state of their health, especially in Hare Park Camp, there is grave danger of these prisoners dying, and when is it likely that these prisoners who have not been tried will be released?
If the Deputy wants up-to-date information perhaps he would put down a question. I refer him to the answer in reply to a similar question given some weeks ago to one of the Deputies.
Is the Minister making any difference or distinction between untried military prisoners and political prisoners? If I heard him aright the total number is 975. Are we to take it that that is the total number in charge of the military as internees, or does it only include prisoners who are untried—are they civilian prisoners or prisoners subject to military law?
Civilians, as distinct from prisoners who are subject to military service, yes.