asked the Minister for Defence if he will state the number of prisoners interned at present in Harepark Camp, also, the number of internees detained in the Camp hospital, and whether any and how many of those are dangerously ill; further, if he is aware that the food, clothing, housing, and sanitary arrangements are inadequate, and the general conditions are such as to endanger the health of the prisoners, and whether it is intended to permit civilian doctors to visit the prisoners and to report as to their health.
CEISTEANNA.—QUESTIONS. [ORAL ANSWERS.] - HAREPARK CAMP INTERNEES.
SEAN O LAIDHIN
There are 661 prisoners in Hare Park Camp, of which 23 are in the Camp Hospital. None of these prisoners is dangerously ill. I am not aware that the arrangements referred to are inadequate. They are inspected periodically, and are found to be sufficient. Civilian doctors are only permitted to visit prisoners for consultation with Army Medical officers in cases of serious illness.
Will the Minister say if these 661 prisoners or internees in Hare Park Camp have been tried, or is it likely that they will be tried with a view to their release, or what is the meaning of keeping them there without trial so long?
The first question was of a more or less hygienic nature and this question is of a different character. I would ask the Deputy to put down a question on the matter.
Will the Deputy say whether there has been any visits from medical doctors, who were not military officers, in accordance with the understanding that was arrived at some time ago, and will a report of their visits be made to the Dáil?
The third paragraph of the answer says: "Civilian doctors are only permitted to visit prisoners for consultation with Army medical officers in cases of serious illness." I have no direct information on the subject.
In regard to the general condition of camps and prisons, there was an understanding, I think, that the Ministry would appoint a Medical Board or Committee of medical men to visit these camps and prisons?
I understand there are statutory regulations with regard to that, and I will inquire further into it.
Inasmuch as these prisoners are prisoners of the Dáil, would the President consider the advisability of nominating one Deputy from each Party to visit this camp to consider the complaints that have been made, and with very good reason?
I am afraid that raises another question altogether.
If the President will not allow a representative from each Party in the Dáil to visit these prisons or camps, will he try to hasten the release of the prisoners?
That is a new matter. The Deputy must put down a separate question on the subject.